Chute Me carves a bold path up the West Face of the Lamb Dome, standing out as a focused trad route for climbers ready to engage both face and crack with equal parts finesse and grit. Its steep, hand-sized crack at the start demands solid finger jams and technique, setting the tone for a climb that shifts quickly to a series of compelling features. The rock here shifts under your hands from sharp edges to smoother faces, challenging you to read the line and adjust on the fly. The final pitch carries you through a slick, low-angle water chute that pushes you to trust your footwork and balance, especially as moisture from runoff often leaves the stone polished and slick.

Beyond the technical sequence, the route provides an intimate encounter with Lamb Dome’s western aspect, where the shifting sunlight plays across granite knobs and ledges, sometimes warming up the cooler shadows of the crack. The climb’s bolted anchor offers peace of mind after the physical push, and the optional second pitch extends the adventure with a traverse over a knobby 5.5 face that tests route-finding and confidence on less-than-protected terrain before easing into a corner with bomber gear placements. This second pitch finishes at the giant ledge used by other well-known routes, providing a natural stopping point where you can gather your thoughts and savor the exposure.

Planning your ascent requires a solid rack with a mix of cams up to 3 inches, including thin pieces for tricky placements between bolts and in the corner finish of pitch two. While the first pitch is well-protected by bolts and traditional gear, the second pitch demands careful gear selection and a steady head. Since the crux bolt was adjusted to accommodate shorter climbers, reachy moves feel more manageable without losing their technical edge.

Approaching Lamb Dome means taking in the serene beauty of Tuolumne Meadows, a climb easily reached by a well-worn trail that winds through subalpine forest and granite outcrops. The approach is straightforward, usually taking around 20 minutes from the main trailhead, giving you ample time to soak in the landscape before committing to the rock.

Local advice suggests starting early to avoid increasing heat on the granite surface, especially in summer, when the sun presses directly on the West Face by midday. Good rubber on your shoes and a carefully packed water supply are essential, as the low-angle chute can expose climbers to slick patches where slipping is a real hazard. Remember that the route’s character can shift with moisture; plan accordingly during rainy periods or early mornings when dew might still cling to the rock.

Chute Me offers a balanced challenge—technical crack climbing harnessed with moderate face moves—embedded in one of Yosemite’s quieter corners. It invites climbers who want to test endurance and technique on a direct, classic line with manageable exposure and a rewarding sense of accomplishment that comes from reading the rock and adjusting to its subtle moods.