Rising dramatically above Tioga Road, The Sphinx stands as a striking 500-foot granite sentinel, known by locals as the 'Pope's Hat' or 'Pronghorn Dome'. This imposing formation offers climbers a rugged playground with routes that challenge both skill and spirit, rewarding ascents with broad views of the Eastern Sierra’s wild expanse. Approaching The Sphinx, you can’t help but feel the raw purity of the granite underfoot, with shattered slabs and solid cracks inviting a measured, thoughtful approach.

The south face hosts the most established routes, where the four-pitch 'Great Googley Boogley' (5.10) delivers sustained and varied climbing across a clean granite canvas. Just to its left, the 'Cerro K'Narlé' (5.10a) stands out as a classic offering, earning high praise for its quality and challenge. Climbers speak highly of the 'Big Horn' (5.10b) route to its right, documented enough to offer reliable guidance for those seeking a technically engaging ascent. Beyond these, some routes remain obscured in mystery, pieced together from summit register scribbles and photographic topos. Tackling these means venturing into a small degree of adventure and uncertainty, rewarding the bold with a memorable personal quest.

For those prioritizing summit views over pure technical difficulty, an accessible route ascends from the Warren Creek trailhead ascending the back canyon. This approach reaches a saddle via a brief stretch of class 5 climbing, capped off by a short boulder problem that includes a 5.7 move before topping out on the ridge. From this vantage, the East Ridge extends further, accessible from either the saddle or southern aspects of The Sphinx.

Access is straightforward yet demands readiness—just over half a mile east of Rhinedollar Dam on Ellery Lake, park along Tioga Road beneath The Sphinx’s shadow. The trail up involves scrambling over fractured slabs, requiring steady footing and caution. Climbers should come prepared for a somewhat exposed approach that rewards careful movement with quick access to the rock.

Perched around 10,160 feet elevation, weather can shift quickly. Planning your visit within the prime climbing season—generally late spring through early fall—will help avoid the cold and snow that grip this high alpine environment outside summer. Thin air and bright sun add their own demands, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.

The Sphinx area is part of the greater Eastern Sierra climbing scene, a rugged landscape that attracts adventurers seeking both classic lines and remote alpine experiences. Though modest in route count, the granite here feels substantial and engaging, presenting a balance of technical, multi-pitch climbing and approachable summit attempts.

Whether coming for the adventure of routes like Cerro K'Narlé or simply to ascend the summit ridge for panoramic vistas, The Sphinx offers a rewarding encounter with high Sierra rock and sky. Those venturing here should be ready to navigate somewhat isolated conditions with self-reliance and respect for the fragile high country.

Local wisdom encourages climbers to update beta whenever possible, as some routes remain lightly documented and can evolve with new parties visiting. The rock is generally solid, but the nature of the granite means loose rock can occasionally be present, particularly on approach slabs.

Climbers will find this area ideal for those who appreciate climb complexity paired with alpine environment immersion. Paired with the nearby Eastern Sierra attractions, The Sphinx stands as a compelling destination for a day or multi-pitch outing that delivers on both challenge and natural splendor.