Drifting up the highway into California’s Eastern Sierra, you’ll find yourself in the June Lake Area—where granite walls rise above mountain lakes and aspen groves sway in the high-altitude breeze. Among these is 1-Croft, a unique sector above Silver Lake that’s quickly gathering attention amongst climbers seeking both approachable slabs and a taste of vertical challenge. At 7,387 feet, 1-Croft stands apart with a dual character: a lower band of friendly, approachable slab, and a looming headwall of steeper terrain, split visually by a sloping grassy ramp running diagonally across the crag.

Set against a backdrop of the dramatic Eastern Sierra skyline, the low section delivers a rolling playground for those new to granite adventure or anyone searching for movement that's interesting yet forgiving. Here, friction gives way to positive holds, favoring balance and deliberate movement over tiny foot smears—making it a relaxed stage for dialing in technique without the intimidation factor of blank slabs.

But the real buzz begins where the ramp divides the cliff and the angle steepens. The upper section, with routes in the 60–80 foot range and a vertical slice rising as tall as 175 feet at its apex, offers a legitimate test for those looking to push themselves on steeper rock. Here, expect a greater dose of variety—steep faces, interesting sequences, and longer pitches foster a sense of real exposure. Given the higher difficulty and the partially broken rock, experienced climbers will find satisfying challenges, especially if they appreciate strategizing on less-traveled lines. On the left side of the upper wall, you’ll find solid fixed anchors (bolts with mussy hooks), while the right side can be more variable; top-roping is straightforward for much of the cliff, but always assess natural or trad options carefully, as placements are limited in the lower part.

The approach itself adds a mountain adventure feel: A quick 7–13 minute hike and scramble—rising roughly 140 vertical feet over a quarter of a kilometer—leads you from the Silver Lake parking area directly to the base. If aiming for the low slab, a traverse along a horizontal ledge brings you face-to-face with the textured granite. Reaching the higher sector requires more navigation, following the base, scrambling up around trees and across the grassy ramp with its narrowing ledge and sections of loose rock and exposure. An alternate path—a direct gully scramble—offers a faster but more demanding route (class 4), appealing for folks comfortable with technical moves and a touch of adventure.

Anchors here are thoughtfully installed: Stainless bolts with plated hardware maximize durability and minimize hidden corrosion, benefiting from the sacrificial anode effect. Still, this is not an urban crag—routes see relatively little traffic, meaning sections can remain loose or brittle, particularly in the upper reaches. It’s essential for climbers and belayers to remain alert and position themselves well clear of the potential rockfall zone.

Among the standouts, '5th Symphony' (5.7) is a must-try that captures much of what makes 1-Croft special—an engaging grade, solid features, and ample opportunity to find your flow against sweeping mountain vistas.

Toprope logistics are straightforward thanks to modern anchors, but rappelling is the preferred descent, with two-bolt stations spaced for use with a 60-meter rope. Those confident in their scrambling may reverse the approach, but beware of ongoing exposure, especially with loose stone along the ledge system.

The heart of 1-Croft, though, is its accessibility paired with the spirit of discovery—every visit reveals a little more of its texture and rhythm. Arriving here is to step into a crag where the lines are still becoming established, and where every session might mean cleaning holds or finding a new sequence. The name pays tribute to Peter Croft himself—arguably one of North America's greatest climbers and a fixture of Bishop's climbing scene—whose own exploits in these high places have inspired countless locals and visitors.

If you’re searching for somewhere with both approachable moves for skill-building—and a vertical punch to fuel your alpine ambitions—1-Croft is your launching pad, just a short wander from the car, yet firmly in the wilderness spirit of the Eastern Sierra. Pack your anchor skills and mountain mindset: This is adventure, just far enough from the beaten track.