Europop offers a compelling alternative finish to the final pitch of Euro Trash, engaging climbers with a steady flow of moderate moves that complement the approach of its preceding pitches. Situated on the Drug Dome in the iconic Tuolumne Meadows, this 180-foot trad climb invites you into a granite terrain where straightforward protection and a variety of holds meet a refreshing sense of rhythm and control. Once you reach the top of the third pitch on Euro Trash, Europop branches off with a sequence of technical yet manageable moves that keep the difficulty consistent and enjoyable.

From the belay, the route obliges you to clip the first two bolts of Euro Trash before veering left toward a small right-facing corner featuring a crack just right for a yellow alien placement. This subtle crack demands attentive gear placement and a confident step left onto a stable ledge, a moment to steady your breath as the mountain invites your ascent.

The climb proceeds upward and slightly right to a bolt, where a long sling is recommended to reduce rope drag, setting the tone for smart rope management on this pitch. From there, Europop travels straight upward past two more bolts before a delicate traverse back up and left to a small, half-inch cam corner—a crucial spot to place dependable protection. The path then pushes higher past a fourth bolt to a mantle crux that requires solid footwork and core engagement to pull onto a comfortable ledge.

Continuing, you’ll clip the fifth bolt and navigate a subtle left then right traverse, making your way to a large, distinctive flake protected by another half-inch cam. The route eases onto a series of straightforward ledges, moving up and right toward a sixth bolt and finally, a clean finish at the belay atop Euro Trash.

Europop rewards those prepared with precise gear and steady technique, blending the classic Tuolumne granite features—cracks, flakes, and clean bolt lines—into a pitch that feels both practical and adventurous. It stands as a perfect choice for climbers looking to keep the momentum and challenge consistent without drastic jumps in difficulty.

Planning for Europop means bringing a varied rack with several cams around the half-inch range to confidently protect these nuanced placements. The approach to Drug Dome is classic Tuolumne: high alpine meadows and rugged granite spires that promise both striking views and a cool breeze that can energize your climb.

Bring footwear with sticky rubber to handle the friction demands on granite slabs and edges, and plan your ascent for morning hours when the rock is cool but warming. Hydration is key—despite the altitude and dry air, the effort will draw sweat, and water sources are best accessed before you reach the climb.

Whether you’re stepping off Euro Trash or seeking a solid moderate trad pitch with bolts for security, Europop delivers a climbing experience that mixes reliable protection with the satisfying flow of classic granite moves. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best adventures lie in thoughtful variations—routes that extend enjoyment straightforwardly while opening subtle new challenges in a familiar setting.