HomeClimbingCosmic Followers

Cosmic Followers: A Compact Climb in Candy Land’s Bowman Valley

Truckee, California USA
roof traverse
multi-pitch
bolted anchors
moderate approach
I-80 corridor
Alpine exposure
Length: 200 ft
Type: Sport, TR
Stars
Pitches
2
Location
Cosmic Followers
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Cosmic Followers presents a focused two-pitch climb threading through Candy Land’s Bowman Valley. A solid 5.9 pitch leads into a more relaxed 5.6 finish, offering climbers technical moves on sound rock with clear protection and inspiring views."

Cosmic Followers: A Compact Climb in Candy Land’s Bowman Valley

Cosmic Followers offers a tightly-packed two-pitch climb that slices through Candy Land’s rugged Bowman Valley, an area distinguished by its steadily shifting light and bold rock features. The route begins with a steady 5.9 lead up to a pronounced roof, demanding both steady footwork and confident clipping as you follow a line of six bolts. The roof itself stands as a natural landmark, its sheer underside daring you to move precisely along its edge. The key move is a traverse just right of the classic Rock N Rolla line, transitioning smoothly onto a ramp that angles upward toward solid anchors. This pitch sets the tone—technical but approachable for climbers ready to stretch their skills.

From the first set of anchors, climbers have the option to descend via top-rope, taking a fun, 10d-ish variation through the middle of the roof that tests your core strength and balance. However, for those continuing the lead, the second pitch drops the difficulty slightly to a 5.6 grade, opening with a draw clip on the first top-rope anchor chains before progressing up into a subtle saddle. Here, the rock softens just a bit, offering a comfortable but engaging climb. The final seven bolts lead to the summit, where a 2-bolt anchor secures the top, perfect for setting up a rappel.

Candy Land is part of the I-80 Corridor in Lake Tahoe, California, a region where the rock reflects the shifting seasons with subtle sun exposure and cooling forest breezes. The approaches here run through lightly forested trails that hint at the alpine character just beyond. Expect a roughly 200-foot vertical gain, ideal for half-day adventures and convenient for climbers looking to balance technical climbing with a taste of outdoor exploration.

Protection is straightforward, centered on the bolted sport route with reliable two-bolt anchors offering peace of mind at each pitch’s conclusion. The rock is generally sound, though staying vigilant around the roof section will reward you with clean movement and efficient clipping. Local beta suggests bringing standard sport climbing gear along with mediumsized draws to negotiate the bolts comfortably.

Getting to the climb involves a moderate approach hiking through the Bowman Valley trails, which wind through forested terrain and offer scenic views of the surrounding emerald hills. Seasonal timing influences the experience—late spring to early fall is prime, as winter snow can linger on shaded sections, making footing tricky if not avoided altogether. Early mornings or late afternoons balance cooler temperatures with soft sunlight, avoiding the harsh midday glare on the rock face.

The descent can be completed by rappelling from the top anchors or by scrambling down the back gully toward Fun House Wall, a favored area nearby. The scramble provides an enjoyable way to reconnect with the environment after the technical focus of the climb and rewards you with extra time to appreciate the quiet vigor of this less-trodden part of Lake Tahoe’s climbing scene.

Whether you're working through the crux of the roof on pitch one or enjoying the slightly relaxed pace on pitch two, Cosmic Followers connects technical sport climbing with easily navigable terrain and crisp alpine air. It's well suited for climbers seeking a balanced outing that blends challenge with the distinct California outdoor vibe.

Climber Safety

Be cautious on the roof traverse due to exposed clips and swing potential; maintain three points of contact on transitions. Seasonal moisture can make edges slick—check conditions before committing, especially in spring runoff months.

Route Details

TypeSport, TR
Pitches2
Length200 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid afternoon heat on the south-facing wall.

Carry extra water—the approach can warm quickly on sunny days.

Wear shoes with sticky rubber for confident edging on the slab and roof sections.

Check anchor hardware before trusting the rappel setup, particularly after winter.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating accurately reflects the sustained technical challenge of the first pitch, particularly around the roof traverse where body positioning and clip efficiency matter most. The second pitch eases off with a 5.6 grade, providing a breather before the final anchor. Overall, the grade is straightforward and likely feels true to the difficulty for sport climbers familiar with technical roof sequences.

Gear Requirements

Bring a standard sport rack focusing on quickdraws for six bolts on pitch one and seven bolts on pitch two, plus two bolt anchors with chains at each belay station. Medium draws optimize clipping in tight roof moves.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Cosmic Followers and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

roof traverse
multi-pitch
bolted anchors
moderate approach
I-80 corridor
Alpine exposure