Set against the rugged backdrop of the Corkscrew Area near Echo Lakes, the route "I Don't Care" offers a crisp test of traditional climbing skill, combining precise footwork with strategic placements. Just right of the popular "Leapin' Lizards" and left of a distinct right-facing corner, this single-pitch crack climb demands a balance of patience and commitment. The rock presents a sequence of rounded knobs leading into a commanding Y-shaped crack, inviting climbers to engage directly with the granite's personality. The crack itself offers solid but occasionally subtle holds, so careful gear placement is crucial, especially as the rating's R denotes a serious runout that rewards confident movement and savvy protection choices.

Approach to the route is straightforward but benefits from an early start to enjoy the cool morning air and avoid the midday sun that hits the southern exposures of this section. The trailhead provides access into the high Sierra’s classic granite terrain, where alpine forests quietly embrace the rock faces. Expect to cross mixed terrain underfoot — patches of pine needles combined with granite slabs — all guiding your steps toward a granite ledge that serves as the belay station. This ledge offers a secure stance to regroup after the route’s technical crux.

Gear requirements hover around traditional placements up to two inches, though climbers should bring a full rack to ensure options on the varied knobs and crack widths. The R rating here isn’t merely a caution; it represents pockets of exposure where falls could carry serious consequences. This means solid anchor building and mental readiness to move confidently through less-protected sections.

The setting itself is quiet, removed from heavy crowds but filled with the steady hum of alpine breeze and the occasional call of distant birds. Echo Lakes area, accessed via Highway 50’s scenic corridor, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and climbing focus. It's a spot where the rock’s character, the mountain’s mood, and the efforts of each climber intersect in a rewarding, if challenging, ascent.

Timing-wise, spring through early fall presents the best window. Snow lingers late in the season, so patience for clear granite is essential. Footwear with precise edging capabilities will serve climbers well on the knobs and crack edges. Hydration remains key, as sun exposure can sneak up between pine patches during the climb.

For those who want to explore beyond "I Don't Care," the nearby routes in the Corkscrew and Flagpole Peak areas offer diverse opportunities, from technical cracks to bold face climbs — making this corridor a versatile training ground for trad enthusiasts seeking variety in one trip. Whether you’re working to polish your R-rated route confidence or simply chasing the thrill of high Sierra granite, this climb delivers a compact but intense adventure that’s practical to plan yet vivid in execution.