Hungover Hangover offers a compelling single pitch test on the left flank of Black Wall, a rugged granite face standing prominent along Donner Summit's I-80 corridor. This 50-foot traditional climb demands precise hand jams and confident footwork as it threads through a handcrack that leans slightly overhanging, snaking between tight hand, hands, and big hands sizes. The experience is tactile and engaging; granite here is coarse and angular with large cubic feldspar crystals embedded both in the crack and on the face, lending a distinct texture that rewards careful placements but also warns of abrasions – taping your hands becomes essential to avoid raw skin. Climbers begin by eyeing the crack from belay bolts atop nearby routes like Rat's Tooth or Touch and Go, spotting the impressive handcrack before committing.

The route’s character builds through a pod feature before pushing around a subtle bulge, where the crux move demands body tension and a committed reach. Above this, the crack softens into slightly less steep, slabby terrain guiding you to comfortable belay bolts. From this anchor, a variety of options unfold—downclimb and rap off, traverse left onto Empty Sky, or venture right to explore adjacent face climbs.

This climb holds a vibrant history, credited to Craig "Shanny" Shanholtzer with roots stretching back to the early 1970s, when he took over cleaning the line after Kim Schmitz and Jim Bridwell’s initial work. Stories from seasoned Tahoe climbers recall the persistence and grit required to send this demanding crack, underscoring its status as a classic testpiece in the Donner Summit area.

Approaching Hungover Hangover involves navigating the Black Wall sector, which rewards climbers with views of the Lake Tahoe basin and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks. The granite here feels alive—sharp edges dare every finger jam to hold tight while the sunlight plays across the crystal-studded rock. A solid day of climbing here is part discipline, part appreciation of the mountain’s relentless texture.

Protection is straightforward but demands a good rack. Doubles of cams from tight to big hand sizes fill gear placements, while finger-sized pieces are handy for the climb’s subtle lower section. These placements keep the lead secure but require attention and some finesse due to pocketed and angular granite.

Given its exposure to the elements, the climb performs best during clear, dry weather in late spring through early fall. Morning ascents avoid the hottest hours as the sun slowly warms the wall’s left side, while afternoons bring full sunshine and striking alpine views.

Hungover Hangover stands as a gritty, physical route designed for climbers looking to sharpen crack technique while enjoying the rugged backdrop of the Sierra range. With careful preparation—taping, solid crack gear, and mindful pacing—this climb offers both a thoroughly satisfying line and a vivid connection to the storied climbing history of Donner Summit.