"Enola Gay delivers a clean, enjoyable 80-foot trad climb on the front face of the G.O.T. cliffs. Featuring continuous double cracks and well-placed bolts, it’s a solid introduction to Bishop’s trad climbing with reliable protection and striking canyon views."
Tucked along the rugged front face of the G.O.T. cliffs, Enola Gay presents a straightforward yet engaging one-pitch trad climb that rewards patience and skill with a steady vertical rhythm. Situated just to the right of the popular "Just the Tip" route, this classic line features clean double cracks and seams stretching from the base to the anchor, inviting climbers to read the rock and find gear placements that feel both secure and satisfying. The rock is solid, with sharp edges and subtle variations that keep the climb interesting without overwhelming the climber with complexity. The 80-foot pitch unfolds over a series of crack systems that demand moderate finger to hand jams, while a handful of well-spaced bolts provide additional safety and reassurance.
Pine Creek Canyon’s landscape frames this climb with wide views of the Bishop Area, offering a quiet escape from more crowded venues nearby. The air carries a dry, sun-warmed scent with hints of sagebrush brushing against the breeze. As you ascend, the sun’s trajectory shifts, creating contrasting pools of light and shadow that highlight the rock’s texture and color. This setting encourages focus, where every move feels purposeful against the canyon’s open expanse.
For those planning the ascent, Enola Gay is approachable but best suited for climbers comfortable with traditional gear placements up to 2 inches, plus a selection of stoppers for smaller cracks. The protection is solid, with three bolts complementing natural placements to keep momentum steady. The approach to the crag is accessible; expect a short, relatively easy hike that delivers you promptly to some of the cleaner rock faces in the area. Timing your climb mid-morning to midday helps avoid lingering shadows and cools the rock surface as temperatures rise.
Local climbers appreciate Enola Gay for its balance—enough challenge to engage without unnecessary risk, making it a reliable choice for both getting hands dirty on crack technique and enjoying panoramic canyon views. For enthusiasts stepping into Bishop’s eastern cragging scene, it offers a grounded introduction to the area's climbing style with solid protection options and straightforward beta.
Gear up with a standard trad rack emphasizing protection up to 2 inches and a few nuts. Comfortable climbing shoes with sticky rubber will make foot jams and edging more assured, particularly across textured seams where precision counts. Hydrate well before setting off, as the desert sun can intensify even shorter efforts. Bringing a lightweight helmet is strongly recommended given occasional loose rock near the approach trail.
With just a single pitch, Enola Gay fits well into a half-day itinerary or as a warm-up for longer routes nearby. After topping out, the descent is a simple downclimb or short rappel back to the base, making it an efficient outing with rewarding exposure and technical value. Whether you're refreshing crack skills or seeking a solid grade 5.9 trad challenge with a clear line and good anchors, Enola Gay stands ready to be ticked off your list with a satisfying pull on classic granite cracks amid the crisp Eastern Sierra air.
Watch for loose rock near the trailhead and on the lower approach into the chimney area. The rock at the anchors is solid but wear a helmet during ascent and descent to guard against falling debris.
Approach the crag from the Pine Creek Canyon trailhead; expect a 15-minute hike over moderate terrain.
Start the climb mid-morning to catch optimal sun exposure and dry rock.
Wear climbing shoes with sticky rubber for better friction on jams and edges.
Carry extra water and a helmet to protect against occasional loose debris on the trail.
3 bolts protect the route, supplemented by gear placements up to 2 inches. Stoppers are recommended for smaller seams. Bring a standard trad rack emphasizing cams from finger to hand sizes plus a set of nuts.
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