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Goat for It - Yosemite Falls Area Trad Climb

Yosemite Village,California ,United States
trad
single pitch
beginner-intermediate
granite
north-facing
shaded
Yosemite Valley
Grade: 5.10a
Length: 50 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Goat for It
Aspect
South Facing

Goat for It

5.10a, Trad, TR

Yosemite Village

California ,United States

Overview

"Goat for It delivers a crisp 50-foot trad climb set between two classic Yosemite lines, balancing manageable protection with engaging moves. Ideal for intermediate climbers eager to refine skills on solid granite amid the Valley’s iconic cliffs."

Goat for It - Yosemite Falls Area Trad Climb

Goat for It offers a compact yet invigorating trad climbing experience in Yosemite's Valley North Side, poised between the more frequented Lena’s Lieback and Claude’s Delight routes. From the moment you leave the well-worn path, the granite face invites a bold approach: a short but dynamic pitch, roughly 50 feet in length, that challenges intermediate climbers eager to push their limits within a manageable setting. The climb begins at a split shared with the neighboring lines, veering right onto a modest ledge that serves as a launchpad onto the face itself. Here, the granite feels alive under your hands—solid and textured enough to provide reliable friction, yet demanding enough to command respect for placement and footwork.

Protection options include a small rack tailored to standard trad sizes, paired with two strategically placed bolts that offer supplementary security at critical points. This setup caters perfectly to those refining their trad skills, providing just enough safety net without removing the need for careful gear decisions. The exposure is intimate rather than overwhelming, making Goat for It an excellent stepping stone for climbers transitioning from sport to trad or expanding their repertoire in Yosemite’s vast array of offerings.

Set within the spectacular Yosemite Valley, the climb sits under an open sky, where morning sun warms the granite and afternoon breezes spill down from the cliffs above. The approach blends forest stroll with granite boulder hopping, taking about 10 to 15 minutes from the trailhead, guided by clear cairns and the natural flow of the terrain. Owing to its north-northwest orientation, this route maintains pleasant shade during the hotter parts of the day, making it a reliable choice for spring and fall ascents when temperatures in the Valley swing from cool to warm.

Though Goat for It remains a single pitch, its compact nature concentrates the climbing’s rewards without sacrificing character. Whether you're seeking to sharpen trad placements or just enjoy a beautifully framed Yosemite climb away from busier lines, the route presents a balanced test of skill and focus. Careful runners and an attentive approach will unlock a smooth flow, marked by the satisfying interplay of hand jams, edges, and subtle face moves.

Yosemite National Park itself serves as the backdrop, a protected wilderness offering awe-inspiring vertical relief and diverse climbing terrain. The Valley’s granite walls, shaped by millennia of glacial sculpting, create a playground where tradition and style meet. Goat for It, while modest in scale, gives climbers a chance to connect with this legendary environment on a personal level.

Preparation tips are straightforward but essential: solid footing requires climbing shoes with precise edging capability; bring gear sized for cams and nuts to match the moderate crack sizes found here. Approaching early improves conditions, as shade keeps the rock grippy and minimizes sweat. Staying hydrated and being mindful of park regulations ensures a safe, respectful experience. When finished, a short walk leads back to the trailhead, easing spectators and climbers alike away from the granite stage.

Goat for It stands as a testament to Yosemite’s accessibility for developing climbers—an inviting route that encourages progression while rewarding with genuine exposure and a taste of the Valley’s immensity. It’s not just a climb but a compact slice of the wilderness where nature dares you forward, granite fingers beckoning upward.

Climber Safety

Though generally well protected, the route’s small ledges and sparse bolt placements demand careful gear placements. Avoid rush or overcommitment, as runouts could amplify risk. Fall potential is minimized by attentive pro placement and stable granite but stay alert to rock quality on the ledge transition.

Route Specifications

Route Details

5.10a
TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Start early to benefit from morning shade and firmer rock conditions.

Use precise edging shoes to navigate subtle granite features effectively.

Carry a small trad rack to match the moderate crack widths for best protection.

Stay hydrated and respect park guidelines to ensure a safe and sustainable climb.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a
Quality
Consensus:At 5.10a, Goat for It sits at a comfortable yet stimulating level for climbers stepping up from easier routes. The grade feels true to Yosemite standards—neither artificially softened nor overblown—with a short crux requiring clean footwork and good gear discipline. It aligns well with other local moderate lines but distinguishes itself by its focused exposure and bolt-assisted protection.

Gear Requirements

A small rack covering standard cam and nut sizes is sufficient, complemented by two bolts that assist protection where placements are sparse, allowing confident yet thoughtful gear choices.

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Tags

trad
single pitch
beginner-intermediate
granite
north-facing
shaded
Yosemite Valley