Chim Chimney offers a distinctive crack climb that stands apart from the typical face and slab routes common in the Horseshoe Lake Area. This one-pitch, 40-foot trad climb invites you to engage directly with its outward-flaring chimney, a narrow channel where your body interacts uniquely with the rock. From the base, the chimney dares you to slide upward, hugging the natural contours where the rock walls push you back as much as they support your ascent.

The route’s defining feature is the back crack inside the chimney, a line that invites cam placements ranging from smaller stoppers (.3 inch) to mid-sized cams up to 3 inches, though expect to encounter some residual dirt and moisture, especially during the melt season early summer. On the day of record, June 4, 2018, snowmelt added a slick challenge to the climb, making it a test of both technique and patience. This route’s style diverges from the neighboring cracks and face climbs, offering an intense, chimney-specific movement that feels more physical and intimate.

Set above a ledge crowned by a large tree, the chimney climb ends on a natural platform, granting a moment to rest and take in the surrounding granitic walls and forested slopes. This ledge also doubles as an anchor point for top roping, providing flexibility for climbers who prefer an easier descent or want to work the moves safely.

Planning your ascent means gearing up with a versatile rack that emphasizes cams within the 0.3 to 3-inch range, as protection opportunities hinge on placements deep inside the crack rather than surface stances. The climb’s history of residual dampness means sturdy shoes with excellent grip and awareness of weather conditions are critical. Early summer can bring both moisture and variable temps, so layering for warmth and carrying enough water will serve you well.

Accessing Chim Chimney is straightforward within the Horseshoe Slabs zone—a climbing locale perched on the Sierra Eastside near Mammoth Lakes, California. The area links forest edges with expansive granite faces, exhibiting a blend of slab and crack climbing that caters to a spectrum of climbers. The route's exposure is moderate, with a vertical emphasis that challenges technique without overwhelming risk, making it a solid choice for intermediate trad climbers looking to expand their repertoire.

Whether you’re topping out the chimney or belaying from the ledge below, this climb offers an engaging experience that balances natural beauty with technical movement. The route’s character highlights the subtle complexities of chimney climbing elevation, demanding deliberate placement, body positioning, and trust in your gear. Prepare for a climb inviting focus and respect for the rock’s persistent embrace—Chim Chimney might be short, but it leaves a lasting impression.