Adventure Collective

Exploring Laundromat Canyon - Classic Climbing in the Eastern Sierra

Bishop, California
crack climbing
single pitch
trad gear
granite
elevation 7000ft+
Eastern Sierra
Length: 80 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
single pitch
Protected Place
Inyo National Forest
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Laundromat Canyon, part of the greater Scheelite Crags in California’s Eastern Sierra, offers focused adventure on classic crack routes set against stunning mountain backdrops. With easy access and a handful of standout climbs like Center Crack and Quarantine, it’s a rewarding destination for trad climbers looking to experience the region’s raw granite at moderate elevation."

Exploring Laundromat Canyon - Classic Climbing in the Eastern Sierra

Laundromat Canyon, tucked within California’s spectacular Eastern Sierra near Bishop, offers climbers a raw and varied experience amid rugged mountain terrain. This canyon is a vital piece of the Scheelite Crags area and stands out for its collection of developed climbing spots including St. Valentine’s Slab, Kadawn, Green Room, and Laundromat itself. When you venture here, you’ll find the canyon visible from the road, framed by Rattler Slabs to the right and the playful Super Fun Site to the left. For those eager to explore beyond, Zebra Gully extends the adventure—an inviting continuation along the main fork of Laundromat Canyon.

Access begins with parking at a small pullout located roughly seven miles from the highway junction, just before the parking areas serving PSOM and Elderberry. The approach trail leads steadily toward the canyon base, splitting near the drainage with options to the left for Super Fun or right for Rattler Slabs. Staying straight keeps you in the heart of Laundromat’s main drainage. The path involves ascending a short slab, often equipped with a helpful hand-line, before continuing upward into the canyon proper. This approach offers a rugged but direct experience that sets the tone for the climbing ahead.

Laundromat's elevation sits around 7,325 feet, which means air-thinner mountain conditions and spectacular surrounding views that reward your efforts. Weather here follows typical Sierra patterns, so planning your trip in the prime climbing seasons of late spring, summer, and early fall brings the best balance of temperature and sun exposure.

The climbing itself is anchored by a handful of classic routes, notably Center Crack (rated 5.10c) and Quarantine, also known as The Guillotine (rated 5.11). These climbs exemplify the area's emphasis on solid crack work and technical face climbing without overwhelming complexity. Rooted in tradition and respected by local climbers, they offer challenges requiring skillful footwork and precise gear placement.

Protection here varies with terrain, but climbers should be prepared for traditional rack needs along with some possible bolted sections. The rock’s character—though not specifically detailed in the available data—leans toward reliable Sierra granite found throughout the region, favoring strong hands and steady feet. Typical climbs take single pitches, providing intense bursts of action rather than long multi-pitch undertakings.

The overall vibe of Laundromat Canyon is approachable yet sufficiently wild to keep adventure seekers alert and engaged. It avoids crowds, offering a refreshing contrast to busier Eastern Sierra crags. Climbers can expect a modest number of routes, each with enough distinct personality to make a day here feel well spent.

After the climb, descending is straightforward but demands attention to footing along the approach trail back to the pullout. The canyon’s layout encourages a clear exit route, minimizing confusion and maximizing time spent enjoying the rock and surrounding wilderness.

Essential local tips include parking early to secure the small pullout space, checking current weather conditions for wind or sudden storms common to the Sierra, and packing plenty of water to counteract the dry mountain air. Given the hike and moderate elevation, layering clothing is smart to adapt to temperature swings throughout the day.

In sum, Laundromat Canyon is a welcome destination for climbers seeking classic crack routes framed by scenic Sierra landscapes. Whether you’re refining your trad skills or chasing quality single-pitch climbs away from the crowds, this canyon provides a straightforward yet rewarding outdoor experience that stays true to Bishop’s rugged climbing heritage.

Climber Safety

While the approach is not excessively long, be mindful of the short slab section that may be slick when wet and benefits from careful use of the hand-line. Watch your footing descending as the trail crosses loose rock and uneven terrain.

Area Details

TypeTrad
Pitchessingle pitch
Length80 feet

Local Tips

Park early in the small pullout to secure a spot before it fills.

Bring layered clothing as temperatures vary with elevation and time of day.

Check recent weather forecasts for sudden Sierra storms before heading out.

Water up thoroughly—there are no reliable water sources en route or near the climbs.

Area Rating

Quality
Consensus:The key classic routes here, Center Crack (5.10c) and Quarantine (5.11), sit comfortably in the mid-range trad spectrum. These ratings are consistent with other Bishop area climbs, offering solid challenges without excessive sandbagging. The grades feel fair to slightly stiff, rewarding skilled protection placement and crack technique.

Gear Requirements

A traditional rack with a range of cams and nuts is recommended here. Some short slabs on the approach may be equipped with hand-lines but bring sturdy shoes for varied terrain. Expect cracks suited for standard protection; no specific bolting detail is provided.

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Tags

crack climbing
single pitch
trad gear
granite
elevation 7000ft+
Eastern Sierra
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