Covfefe at Davey Rock: A Straightforward 5.9 Trad Challenge

Mammoth Lakes, California USA
undercling start
left-facing corner
single bolt
small cams
eastern sierra granite
short approach
Length: 60 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Covfefe
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Located just right of The Truffle Shuffle on Davey Rock, Covfefe is a clean, one-pitch 5.9 trad route. It balances moderate moves with solid protection and a straightforward approach, ideal for climbers developing crack skills in the eastern Sierra."

Covfefe at Davey Rock: A Straightforward 5.9 Trad Challenge

Carved into the rugged expanse of Davey Rock, just a few steps east of the more frequented Truffle Shuffle, Covfefe offers climbers an immediate immersion into traditional climbing with a clear focus and efficient movement. This 60-foot line is a compact one-pitch route that blends moderate technicality with a gratifying sense of upper Sierra granite. Beginning on an undercling move that invites you to engage your core, the sequence leads into a left-facing corner that feels alive—granite edges pressing softly against your hands, almost coaxing steady but deliberate upward progress.

The initial section passes a lone bolt which serves more as a reassuring landmark rather than a required clip, emphasizing the importance of solid gear placements. Protection here demands comfortable handling of single cams up to .75 Camalot, rewarding cautious route-finding and a measured approach. The terrain then opens into an easier slab, allowing climbers to breathe and navigate with clear footholds before reaching the anchors.

Davey Rock’s setting, just beyond Rock Creek near Mammoth Lakes, sits on the eastern Sierra’s granite backbone. This route exposes you to fresh mountain air, punctuated by distant bird calls and the slow rustle of alpine pines swaying in gentle winds. The stone itself is coarse and textured, holding chalk marks from those who have tested their skills here but remains fundamentally solid and dependable underfoot and hand.

Because the climb is brief yet offers a rewarding challenge at 5.9, it suits climbers looking to hone their crack climbing and route reading in a controlled environment. Approach is straightforward: a brief hike along well-marked trails leads you to the base of Davey Rock, set among an area that balances accessibility with a sense of solitude.

Prepare for the climb by checking your rack for smaller cams and ensure your footwear grips the coarse granite well. Given the route’s exposure and sun angle, early morning or late afternoon sessions in late spring through early fall maximize comfort and minimize glare. Bolts are sparse, keeping the climb rooted in traditional ethics, so solid gear knowledge and placement confidence are essential.

Descend via a 60-foot lower off anchored securely at the top—no scrambling necessary. This tidy exit keeps focus on climbing rather than route finding post-ascent. With modest crowds and a straightforward approach, Covfefe stands as a practical destination for climbers wanting a crisp taste of Sierra trad without committing to multi-pitch complexity.

Climber Safety

The granite is solid but watch for loose rock near the base when approaching. Since there’s only one bolt, ensure your gear placements are secure before committing to moves above. Avoid climbing soon after rain to reduce slipping hazards on the slab section.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length60 feet

Local Tips

Start early in the day to avoid midday sun on exposed granite.

Wear sticky-soled shoes to maximize friction on slab moves near the anchors.

Practice placing cams in crack systems before attempting this route.

Lower off the anchor carefully; ropes can get caught if not fed properly.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating feels accurate with a slight crux on the initial undercling and corner jam sequence. The bolt doesn’t diminish the challenge but provides an anchor point in otherwise gear-dependent climbing. Compared to other nearby 5.9s, Covfefe is straightforward without sustained difficulty, great for those brushing up on crack technique.

Gear Requirements

Bring a rack heavy on singles up to .75 Camalot; the route includes one bolt, primarily for confidence. Expect hand and finger jams in the left-facing corner section.

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Tags

undercling start
left-facing corner
single bolt
small cams
eastern sierra granite
short approach