HomeClimbingFrom Slab To Rad

From Slab To Rad: A Compact Challenge on Sierra's Eastside

June Lake, California United States
technical crux
overhanging flakes
sport climb
short pitch
slab moves
ground fall potential
Length: 50 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
From Slab To Rad
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"This compact 50-foot sport climb in California’s Sierra Eastside blends technical footwork with overhanging power moves. Featuring a thoughtful bolt sequence and a challenging crux, 'From Slab To Rad' rewards focus and finesse in a wild mountain setting."

From Slab To Rad: A Compact Challenge on Sierra's Eastside

From the heart of California's Sierra Eastside, specifically the June Lake Area near Rush, the route 'From Slab To Rad' offers climbers a distilled dose of technical sport climbing where precision meets punchy movement. This single-pitch, 50-foot climb opens with a mindful bolt clip before demanding delicate, low-angle face moves leftward toward a small, sloping ledge—a spot where careful foot placement and focused balance are essential. Ground fall potential exists here, so your belayer’s sharp attention and the presence of a small cam as supplemental backup bring added security.

Once established on the ledge, the route arcs right with a traverse that feels more comfortable testing handholds than footing, a move inviting both strategy and finesse. From here, climbers ascend through steep, overhanging flakes that transition into a solid rail leading directly to the anchor. Despite its brief length, the climb packs a technical crux between the first and second bolt that challenges your footwork and precision, followed by a gym-like physical crux higher up that tests core strength and body tension.

The rock quality remains somewhat rough in sections, reflecting the route's relatively recent traffic and ongoing wear. This adds an earthiness to the ascent, a reminder of both the route’s freshness and the rugged Sierra environment that surrounds it. The sport climbing style calls for four bolts, with the option to place small cams (gold or red sizes) between the initial bolts and the use of mussy hooks if you’ve got cotter pins on hand.

Approaching this climb means preparing for a moderately short hike into a wild corner of the Sierra Nevada—37.8 latitude, -119.1 longitude—where the trail winds through sparse forest before opening to steep rock faces. Timing your ascent to avoid the hottest midday sun makes for a more enjoyable experience, as the wall picks up afternoon warmth but can cool quickly in the shade. Footwear that balances sensitivity and secure edging will serve well on the slabby sections, along with steady hydration and a belay partner ready to manage the ground-level fall risk.

'From Slab To Rad' is a rewarding pursuit for climbers comfortable with sustained movement and technical cruxes, offering variety in a concise format. Whether you're training for longer multi-pitch climbs or sharpening your sport technicality, this route provides a well-rounded challenge framed by the untamed character of the Sierra Eastside's rocky slopes.

Climber Safety

The beginning section has ground fall potential, so vigilance is critical. The rock can remain rough and a bit 'crunchy,' requiring careful movements and reliable protection placements—especially given the limited fixed gear beyond four bolts.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Double-check your belayer is prepared for potential ground falls near the start.

Timing your climb for morning or late afternoon can avoid intense sun exposure.

Bring small cams in gold/red sizes for added protection between bolts.

Footwork precision on slabby, low-angle face sections will make the crux more manageable.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a PG13
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.10a PG13, 'From Slab To Rad' merges technical finesse with a physical finish. The rating sits true to the challenge: the move between the first two bolts demands delicate balance and precise foot placements, while the overhanging upper section requires gym-like strength, making the grade feel appropriately stiff for its length. Climbers familiar with local Sierra sport routes will find it a solid test of control and power balanced in a compact format.

Gear Requirements

Four bolts secure the route, with an option to place small cams (gold/red sizes) between the first and second bolt for extra protection. Mussy hooks may assist sections but require cotter pins.

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Tags

technical crux
overhanging flakes
sport climb
short pitch
slab moves
ground fall potential