Flex Your Bazooka is a focused, sporty climb gripping the steep walls of Owens River Gorge—a place where granite dares you up every inch of its etched surface. From the start, the approach sets the tone: a brief but gritty scramble over loose, third-class rock challenges your balance as you make your way to the first bolt. There, the climb kicks into gear, offering solid but surprisingly positive holds along a direct line that rises sharply against the sky. The rock beneath your fingers is mostly clean, but expect brief streaks of less solid stone that demand attentive footwork and precise movements.

The route stretches roughly 100 feet in a single pitch, perfect for climbers looking for a compact yet engaging challenge. As you ascend, the granite’s texture sharpens, hands and feet locking in on edges and pockets with steady confidence. The climb culminates in a thin, technical finish that pushes your finesse and composure—certainly not a place to rush. The spacing of ten bolts delivers reliable protection, but the initial scramble to reach the first clip asks for caution and controlled movement.

Owens River Gorge itself is a rugged playground carved by time and water, its cliffs rising like a raw monument against California’s eastern Sierra Nevada backdrop. Here, the air is dry and crisp, scented faintly with sagebrush and pine from the valley below, creating an atmosphere charged with quiet intensity. The mid-morning sun typically illuminates the face, bringing shadows that help reveal hold textures—ideal conditions for pushing your skill and endurance.

Coming prepared means sturdy footwear for the approach’s loose rock and a rack focused on quickdraws matched to sport climbing in well-bolted terrain. Hydrate well and time your climb to avoid the harsh midday heat or afternoon wind, which can unsettle friction on the granite. Whether it’s your first 5.9 or a repeat test, Flex Your Bazooka challenges with direct movement and a finish that rewards precision more than brute force. It’s straightforward climbing with a touch of grit, great for those wanting to sharpen technique in a spectacular natural setting.