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Fish Egg: Sport Climbing on Sherman Pass

Porterville, California USA
subtle rail
technical feet
friction climbing
single pitch
moderate sport
rappel descent
Length: 75 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Fish Egg
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Fish Egg is a single-pitch, 75-foot sport climb in the Southern Sierra that blends subtle technical moves with solid protection. Ideal for climbers looking to refine their 5.10a skills amidst rugged granite and quiet wilderness."

Fish Egg: Sport Climbing on Sherman Pass

Fish Egg offers a focused, challenging climb that rewards careful technique and quiet persistence. Located high in the Southern Sierra near Sherman Pass, this 75-foot route presents a single-pitch experience that balances subtle holds with thoughtful movement. The climb begins by reaching to a delicate rail, where precision is key as you pull yourself upward and set your feet on high, sometimes precarious placements. From here, you progress along the right side of the raised rail, clipping six well-spaced bolts that guard the line with clear protection but require steady focus. At the second bolt, the route moves leftward, demanding friction climbing techniques to reach the third clip—this section tests your balance and footwork as the holds thin out slightly. Above this, the terrain softens, allowing a steadier rhythm as you pass three more bolts before arriving at the ring anchor. The rock underfoot embodies the Southern Sierra's rugged character, offering textured surfaces with gentle edges and occasional slopers that both challenge and engage. The route’s moderate length and sport nature make it accessible for climbers aiming to sharpen their 5.10a skills or looking for a focused session away from busier areas. After finishing, lowering off the 75-foot rappel is straightforward, though a walk-off option to the left adds an alternative descent for those who prefer their feet on solid ground sooner. The access to the climb is fairly straightforward, lying within the expansive Trout Rock area—a locale where the wilderness pushes against climbing’s edges, inviting quiet respect and preparation. Given the moderate star rating, Fish Egg is best approached with solid footwear and a good rack of quickdraws, and it rewards climbers who appreciate subtle technical moves over brute force. Timing climbs here for mid-morning to early afternoon ensures the granite remains dry and grippy, a must in California’s variable mountain weather. Overall, Fish Egg stands as a practical challenge that doesn’t overstate its difficulty, but invites climbers ready to engage in a climb where patience and precision meet Sierra's raw beauty.

Climber Safety

Although the bolts provide solid protection, the approach to some clips requires precise positioning on slick slabby sections; ensure your shoes are well-fitted and stay focused on foot placement to avoid slips. Descending by walk-off left is easier but watch for loose rock on the trail.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length75 feet

Local Tips

Approach the climb early to avoid afternoon heat on exposed granite.

Wear climbing shoes with reliable edging to handle subtle feet placements.

Allow time for careful footwork especially near the second and third bolts.

Consider walking off via the left trail after lowering to save time.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10a grade fits well here—challenging but accessible for athletes comfortable with sport routes in this range. The crux centers around the initial rail sequence and the friction moves near bolt three, where careful foot placement and balance raise the difficulty. Compared to other routes in Sherman Pass, the climb leans on technique over power, making it a satisfying runout-free training climb.

Gear Requirements

A rack of six quickdraws is sufficient to protect the route, with bolts spaced to allow confident clipping but demanding smooth movement to maintain rhythm.

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Tags

subtle rail
technical feet
friction climbing
single pitch
moderate sport
rappel descent