"Cheese Us offers a tight, technical 50-foot sport climb tucked into Table Rock’s sunlit granite walls. With cobbles, pockets, and a bulging traverse, this route challenges your finesse while situating you against the backdrop of northern California’s scenic wine country."
Cheese Us stands out as a sharp, approachable sport climb perched on Table Rock, a favored crag in the heart of California’s wine country. The route opens with tactile cobble and pocket holds that challenge your finger strength before reaching a distinctive crack overhead. Drawing from this initial push, the climb demands a subtle transition leftward across a scooped section, where cobbles and crimps form the key to surmounting a bulge. This bulging segment crescendos into a welcoming set of large jugs that feel like a reward after the technical start. Beyond these holds, Cheese Us adopts the classic character of Table Rock’s terrain—solid, textured granite with intermittent flakes and edges leading upward, passing by two more bolts that keep the runout manageable.
At just 50 feet and a single pitch, Cheese Us offers a compact, punchy experience perfect for climbers seeking a crisp technical challenge without committing to a long approach or multi-pitch effort. The route’s 5.9 rating reflects a balanced difficulty that’s accessible for many sport climbers aiming to sharpen their crack and pocket skills amid a stunning landscape. Table Rock itself sits in prime wine country near Sonoma, just a short drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, making it both a destination and an easy day trip.
Your approach to Cheese Us crosses gently rolling terrain marked by chaparral and open oak groves, under the expansive California sky. The rock catches the sun for much of the day, so morning ascents can provide cooler conditions and softer friction. Given the moderate height and well-placed bolts, the climb is an excellent choice for honing technical movement on natural features while still enjoying expansive vineyard views stretching out below.
Practical considerations for this route include bringing shoes that excel on small edges and pockets, as well as ensuring quickdraws compatible with sport bolts. While protection is straightforward with five bolts spaced to maintain flow, climbers should be mindful of the small crowds on weekends and the need to pack ample water, especially in warmer months. Early springs and late fall offer a sweet spot for fewer bugs and pleasant temperatures.
Cheese Us demands focused moves but rewards with confident sequences and a grounded sense of accomplishment. It’s a solid climb for anyone drawn to the intersection of technical finesse and an approachable, vivid setting. Whether you’re polishing your 5.9 skills or scouting fresh terrain near wine country, this line invites deliberate movement and solid beta to carry you through its clean, inviting features.
Watch for loose dirt around the approach trail that can make footing uneven, especially after rain. The bulge requires controlled movement; be mindful of keeping three points on the wall as falls at this section may result in swinging due to route exposure.
Start climbs early to avoid intense mid-day sun on the rock.
Wear climbing shoes with a stiff edge suited for pocketed holds.
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Expect light foot traffic on weekends; plan accordingly.
Five well-spaced bolts protect this route, requiring minimal gear beyond a standard sport rack and quickdraws. The line’s reliance on pockets and cobbles means bringing shoes with sensitive edging capability and a brush to clean holds if dusty.
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