Deja Thorus offers a concise introduction to traditional climbing within Yosemite Valley’s northern reaches, positioned just above the more frequented Uncle Fanny route. Though compact at 120 feet, this climb invites you to navigate a somewhat gritty flake system that demands careful footwork and steady hand placements. The route starts following the approach trail used for Uncle Fanny before veering left onto a patch of loose rock and dirt, challenging climbers to stay balanced as they ascend a defining flake feature. The crux comes as you lieback along this flake to reach its top, testing your technique and composure on more delicate holds. As a single-pitch climb with a 5.10a grade, it sits at a threshold where skill and caution blend, appealing to those who seek short but technical ascents that don’t stray far from the beaten path.

Protection here is minimal but straightforward—top roping from the tree crowning Uncle Fanny’s summit is the standard practice. Anchoring requires careful placement of directionals to mitigate any pendulum swings into the corner below, helping reduce stress on both the gear and the climber. While the rock isn’t pristine, the experience of engaging with this often overlooked line offers insight into the subtle complexities of Yosemite’s less traveled walls.

Approach access is simple, benefiting from Yosemite Valley’s well-established trails. Hikers and climbers alike will find the route easy to reach from Church Bowl, with an estimated approach time under 30 minutes from the valley floor. Expect a dirt trail weaving through mixed forest and granite slabs, setting an unpretentious tone before you even step onto the route. Weather-wise, spring through fall is the sweet spot, as winter moisture tends to loosen the already questionable rock and increases the hazard level.

Pragmatically, this climb is best suited as a supplemental challenge rather than a primary objective. Its brevity and condition mean it rarely draws crowds but rewards a focused effort from those keen to sharpen their trad skills within Yosemite’s classic walls. If you’re here to sharpen your crack systems and test delicate footwork, Deja Thorus will offer exactly that—nothing more, nothing less. Prepare with appropriate footwear for dirt and moderate rock grime, bring sturdy locking carabiners for your directional anchors, and remember to keep your helmet on; small rockfall is a risk amid the looser sections.

All told, Deja Thorus is a snapshot of what Yosemite’s quieter corners hold: a mix of challenge, raw terrain, and learning moments, framed by the valley’s iconic granite panorama but often overshadowed by its legendary neighbors.