"Howdy Doody Time serves up two pitches of slab climbing that balance cautious footing with technical variety. Found on the often quiet Hippo Wall, this route challenges you with gritty lower sections and cleaner upper slabs, offering a practical yet rewarding Southern Sierra climb."
Howdy Doody Time offers climbers a direct encounter with California’s Southern Sierra slab climbing, packaged in two pitches that challenge your balance and focus. The route starts on a relatively short first pitch that lets you settle into the rock’s texture before the longer, more varied second pitch. As you ascend the 60-meter slab, your hands and feet navigate mineral-streaked grooves and a patchwork of friction zones that will test your footwork and patience. The lower section of pitch two can feel crumbly, with edges that wear away underfoot and patches of loose grit around the third and fourth bolts, demanding precise and careful moves.
Climbing through this mineral-stained groove, the tension eases as you get higher; the rock cleans up noticeably, offering better holds and a confident push through the upper crux near the eighth bolt. Here, smooth slab transitions into a cleaner face, more straightforward yet still requiring steady balance. While the route is classified around 5.9+, the gritty lower sections and two distinct crux zones justify considering it a little sharper in difficulty—more in line with a solid 5.10a challenge. It’s a climb where footing and concentration are your best allies.
The area itself, Hippo Wall, lies within a rugged stretch of California’s Southern Sierra, accessible but off the beaten path enough to avoid crowds. The approach is manageable, allowing for a quick yet quiet arrival. This route doesn’t see heavy traffic, so expect a raw slab experience where the rock’s natural wear speaks to its quieter history. For those with a fondness for slab climbing with varied texture and a bit of adventure on less-traveled rock, Howdy Doody Time offers a rewarding, engaging outing.
Gear-wise, the first pitch calls for minimal protection beyond bolts, a brief warm-up. The second pitch, almost twice as long, requires trust in the ten well-placed bolts that guard the route’s steeper slabs. Bolts are spaced to challenge your resting options, so preserving energy by trusting the gear and maintaining steady breathing is key.
Timing your climb when the sun casts soft shadows over the slab can help reduce the glare and sharpen your awareness of footholds and hand textures. Spring through fall tends to be ideal — summer heat can bake the rock, making contact uncomfortable. After your send, rappelling is straightforward from established anchors at the top, though caution is warranted to avoid snagging on loose rock or edges weakened by weather.
For those drawn to intricate footwork on slab with a touch of gritty adventure, Howdy Doody Time presents a climb that rewards patience, technique, and a willingness to engage with less polished terrain. It’s an invitation to explore the quieter side of Southern Sierra climbing, where each move is a conversation with the rock beneath your feet.
The lower portions of pitch two feature decomposing edges and loose rock, so take care with footing and test holds before weighting them fully. Weather exposure can dry the slab swiftly, but slick mineral deposits after rain may increase slip risk. Use caution during descent to avoid rope abrasion on rough edges.
Watch your footing carefully on the lower slab where edges can be crumbly and slippery.
Start climbs mid-morning to avoid intense sun on the slab surface.
Bring surefooted climbing shoes with sticky rubber to maximize friction.
Rappel anchors at the top are solid but monitor rope drag around rough edges.
Minimal gear is required on the short first pitch, mainly relying on bolts for protection. The longer second pitch, nearly 60 meters, is guarded by 10 bolts placed with careful spacing to protect the slab sections and cruxes.
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