HomeClimbingDrop Out

Drop Out: A Bold Sport Climb in Alabama Hills

Lone Pine, California USA
bolted sport
chimney
face moves
chockstone crux
desert climbing
single pitch
linked route
Length: 50 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Drop Out
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Drop Out delivers a tight bolted sport chimney that tests both technique and composure as the chimney widens and demands a commitment to tricky face moves beneath a giant chockstone. An ideal 50-foot climb for adventurers craving a blend of physicality and precise movement in the raw Alabama Hills."

Drop Out: A Bold Sport Climb in Alabama Hills

Drop Out offers climbers a compact yet intensely satisfying route carved into the rugged contours of the Alabama Hills, famous for its stark beauty and gritty rock texture. This 50-foot sport climb unfolds within a broad chimney that dares you to choose your path carefully. The route begins with a bolted chimney section, a narrow, embracing channel where skilled body positioning is key to moving fluidly upward. The real test comes as the chimney opens, forcing a shift in technique as you commit onto the face. Here, climbers grapple with awkward, balance-dependent moves beneath a massive chockstone—an imposing guardian at the climb’s climax that demands both mental focus and deft footwork.

Located within The Chocolate Block area, also known locally as Rocky Top, this climb sits under broad desert skies framed by jagged peaks, with the nearby Monument Slot and Gunga Din formations adding a wild character to the surroundings. The approach is straightforward but dry, set against a backdrop of sun-bleached granite and the ever-present breeze that animates the landscape. Link this line with its neighbor After Eights for a longer 100-foot 5.8 experience, requiring a full rack of about 12 quickdraws.

Protection consists of five well-spaced bolts leading to a secure 1/2-inch bolt anchor perched on a substantial ledge. When extended with After Eights, climbers encounter a mussy hook anchor in place of the standard chains, adding an element of careful planning to the descent. Given the exposed nature once outside the chimney and the unusual move set under the chockstone, this route rewards climbers with a blend of technical chimney climbing and engaging face moves not often found in a single pitch.

Plan for solid climbing shoes with high grip and a confidence in chimney techniques to master this route. Hydration is key as the desert sun beats down sharply during summer months, so early starts or late afternoon ascents are recommended to avoid peak heat. With around 28 votes reflecting consistent local appreciation, Drop Out stands as a must-try for those seeking a dynamic sport climb away from crowded classics. Whether you come for the challenge, the striking desert setting, or to link with After Eights, this line promises a memorable, manageable adventure on durable rock.

Climber Safety

The transition where the chimney opens up is the crux and involves moves under a large chockstone. This section demands secure foot placements and attention to balance. The anchor on a large ledge is solid, but linked descents require care at the mussy hook and attention to rope management to avoid swinging or rope drag.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Start early or late in the day to avoid desert heat and maintain grip on the rock.

Bring climbing shoes with excellent edge support for the chimney and technical face moves.

Hydrate thoroughly before and during your climb; desert air dehydrates faster than you might expect.

Consider linking Drop Out with After Eights for a more sustained challenge, but bring extra draws and plan your descent carefully.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:Drop Out’s 5.8 rating feels appropriate for its combination of chimney technique and a committing face crux. The grade neither undersells nor overstates the challenge but requires focused movement when transitioning from the protected chimney into exposed face climbing. Compared to similar classic 5.8 sport climbs in the Alabama Hills, this route rewards those comfortable with chimney dynamics and awkward balance moves.

Gear Requirements

The route is protected by five bolts with a single 1/2" bolt anchor on a spacious ledge. Linking with After Eights extends the climb to 100 feet with 12 bolts and finishes on a mussy hook anchor. Carry at least 12 quickdraws for the full link and focus on precise placements within the chimney and face sections.

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Tags

bolted sport
chimney
face moves
chockstone crux
desert climbing
single pitch
linked route