Drillathon offers a compelling introduction to traditional climbing in the rugged terrain of Big Baldy, tucked within California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This route carves a direct path up a prominent buttress, where a defined crack system demands steady hands and precise gear placement. The first pitch challenges your ability to read natural features, with solid jams in the crack that reward patient technique. As you ascend, the character of the climb shifts; cracks give way to a fingerboard of chickenheads offering true climbing variety. The second pitch is less steep, easing the physical demands but revealing a different kind of mental test: the protection thins noticeably, and elongated runouts demand confident footwork and composure.

The rugged granite of Big Baldy feels alive here, the rock’s rough texture brushing against your skin, while surrounding pines sway quietly as if watching your progress. The route’s 300-foot length is broken into two pitches that balance accessibility with genuine adventure — ideal for climbers seeking a moderate challenge with a touch of exposure.

Approach to Drillathon is straightforward but purposeful. From trailhead to base, the walk carries you across forested paths littered with pine needles and dappled sunlight, lasting about 20 minutes. Once you reach the buttress, the climb’s natural features are unmistakable: an inviting crack spiraling upward, beckoning you forward.

Gear up with a standard trad rack geared toward medium-sized cams and nuts; some fixed bolts appear sparingly, but they should not be relied upon exclusively. The placements on the lower pitch are solid, rewarding careful gear management, but the second pitch demands respect and patience, as protection is sparse. Expect to be judicious with your pro and maintain a tight focus on body positioning.

This route shines in the morning hours, with the rock warming gently under the sun’s first light. Afternoon shade nudges in from the surrounding ridges, providing cooling relief on warmer days, yet winter months bring chill and should be approached with layered clothing and caution.

Descent is approachable: a short walk-off along the ridge connects back to main trails, with some sections requiring mindful scrambling. Avoid loose rock areas and take steady steps; the overlook views reward you handsomely for your efforts.

Drillathon embodies the spirit of traditional climbing in Big Baldy — straightforward, tactile, and quietly thrilling. It invites careful planning, a steady head, and an appetite for simple, honest adventure.