5.9, Sport
Bishop
California ,United States
"Don’t Make Me Laugh delivers 70 feet of sharp, technical moves along Owens River Gorge’s vertical granite. With just four bolts and an old-school 5.9 rating slowly bending toward 5.10a R, this pitch offers a focused challenge for climbers who thrive on precision and nerve."
Don’t Make Me Laugh in the Owens River Gorge offers a compact burst of technical rock climbing that demands both precision and focus. This single-pitch sport route stretches roughly 70 feet along a sheer vertical face, where four bolts provide your main lifeline amid moves that challenge your balance and finger strength. The old-school 5.9 rating hints at a climb that’s anything but straightforward—modern grading trends might soon nudge this to 5.10a R, reflecting the subtle cruxes and tenuous clip positions that test your nerves without the luxury of a bolt ladder.
Set in Weird Corner, a quieter sector deep within the Inner Gorge, the route sits in the shadow of towering granite features that seem to watch your ascent quietly but keenly. The rock’s texture offers a blend of sharp edges and small crimps, compelling you to engage every fiber of technique you’ve honed. Expect moves that require thoughtful footwork and calculated body positioning; this isn’t a place to rush. The climbing feels deliberate—each hold worth measuring, each bolt clip a moment of commitment.
Approaching Don’t Make Me Laugh is straightforward but rewarding. The trail weaves through dry brush and rugged terrain before opening to the dusty ledge beneath the route. The exposed wall is mostly sunlit by mid-morning, making early starts ideal to beat the heat, especially in warmer months. The surrounding landscape is raw and unrefined, lending a distinct edge to your outing—this is climbing where nature asserts itself with few frills or comforts.
Though the bolted anchors keep the route accessible, protection options are sparse. Four bolts anchor the line, and while some reports mention the possibility of adding optional gear placements, careful inspection often reveals the rock doesn’t cooperate easily. For this reason, confidence in clipping technique and on-belay communication are paramount. Given the possibility of a slightly stiff crux, strong fingers and steady nerves help mitigate the risk and increase the enjoyment of this singular pitch.
After sending the climb, descend carefully via a short walk-off or a rappel from the bolted anchors. Watch your footing on the loose rocks and dirt below—the route’s remoteness means assistance can be a distance away, lending a quiet intensity to the whole experience.
Don’t Make Me Laugh epitomizes Owens River Gorge’s blend of accessibility and challenge: compact but demanding climbs with a rugged spirit. It’s a must-try for climbers looking to refine their sport technique on vertical granite edges, offering a slice of technical climbing shaped by history and evolving grades.
Be mindful of the limited protection—bolt spacing leaves some runouts that can amplify a fall. The rock texture demands cautious clipping to avoid hang-ups. The approach crosses loose scree and dry brush, so wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing descending after the climb.
Start early to avoid the midday sun on the exposed wall.
Double-check your rope setup—runouts demand confident clipping.
Wear shoes with sticky rubber for precise foot placements on small edges.
Scout the approach trail near Weird Corner carefully; it’s rough but direct.
This route is protected by just four bolts—no fixed gear beyond those. While some skiers mention optional pro placements, the rock rarely allows secure plugs, so climbers should rely on bolts alone for protection. Bring standard sport climbing draws and focus on clipping cleanly to manage the runouts.
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