"Color of Night carves a clean line up the Hippo Wall's slabby granite, blending steady technical climbing with approachable protection. Perfect for climbers aiming to sharpen footwork in a scenic Southern Sierra setting."
Perched on the rugged face of Hippo Wall, Color of Night welcomes climbers with a striking black streak that invites the eye upward. This single-pitch sport route stretches 130 feet along a slabby face that demands focus and steady footing. The first bolts guard a moderate but sustained slab climb where balance and delicate edging keep you moving efficiently. As you ascend, the intensity of the climb subtly decreases, offering a brief reprieve near the anchors that lets you soak in the exposed setting before the descent.
The rock’s texture feels alive underfoot—granite that is both smooth and resolute, offering confident friction yet requiring precise foot placement to progress. The route, positioned on the southern exposure of Tollhouse Rock’s Hippo Wall, basks in warmth throughout much of the day, making it ideally suited for cooler months or early mornings when the sun is still gentle. Climbers will appreciate the straightforward nature of 10 fixed bolts, providing consistent protection while keeping the focus on the movement.
Approaching Color of Night is a manageable effort, with accessible terrain leading to the base of the wall. The setting immerses you in the Southern Sierra's stark beauty, framed by towering pines and the distant whispers of the surrounding wilderness.
Descending demands attention: a double-rope rappel will get you safely back to the ground, though those planning a single 70-meter rope should take extra care and pre-tie knots to manage the rappel. This technical caution highlights the subtle complexity lurking beneath the route's seemingly simple surface.
Whether you’re refining slab technique or looking for a solid introduction to single-pitch sport climbing in the Sierra, Color of Night presents a balanced challenge. It doesn’t overwhelm with extreme difficulty but rewards patience and precision. Bring steady nerves, a good pair of climbing shoes with sensitive edges, and anticipate a climb that sharpens your skill while grounding you in the quiet power of this peculiarly shaped wall.
The rappel requires care: 130 feet means a full 70-meter rope barely reaches, so tie knots or use double ropes to avoid getting stuck. Additionally, slab climbing can lead to unexpected slips, so maintain deliberate foot placements and avoid rushing through crux sections.
Approach on well-maintained trails; moderate hike with clear signage.
Start climbing early to avoid afternoon heat on the south-facing wall.
Double-check rappel knots if using a single rope to descend.
Bring sticky shoes for precise edging on slab sections.
Equipped with 10 bolts spaced along the slab, Color of Night offers reliable sport protection. A rope of at least 70 meters is recommended for rappelling; doubling ropes or tying knots in a single rope will ensure a safe descent.
Upload your photos of Color of Night and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.