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If Found Please Call

Oakhurst, California United States
trad
single-pitch
5.9
knobs
granite
Southern Sierra
medium protection
PG13
technical seam
Length: 82 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
If Found Please Call
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Located on the Melting Wall, 'If Found Please Call' is a focused single-pitch trad climb with a 5.9 PG13 rating. It offers technical seam climbing with thoughtful protection needs, perfect for climbers seeking a grounded challenge within the Southern Sierra’s iconic granite setting."

If Found Please Call

Carving a direct line on the Melting Wall, 'If Found Please Call' offers a crisp, compact climb that challenges the trad enthusiast with its measured commitment and technical finesse. This single-pitch route winds up an 82-foot face just right of a distinct ledge step, greeting climbers with an inviting rhythm of seams and knobs that demand precise gear placements and steady footwork. The wall itself leans slightly southward, capturing warm California light for most of the day, while the granite’s texture provides solid friction, highlighted by subtle variations in grain and hold size.

At 5.9 PG13, the route maintains a balance of accessible difficulty and cautious protection. Its rating hints at some runout sections that call for calm decision-making and a solid mental game, especially when negotiating gear placements on knobs that accommodate protection up to 2.5 inches. This demand for thoughtful rack preparation rewards climbers who favor reliability over flashy moves.

The approach begins with a straightforward hike along Shuteye Ridge, threading through dappled pine stands and open clearings. The trail’s muted crunch underfoot merges with distant creek murmurs, setting a quietly compelling stage for the ascent. GPS coordinates of 37.41366 latitude and -119.44848 longitude will guide you precisely to the base, where the shared anchor with the nearby 'Seek and Ye Shall Find' route crowns the climb.

Whether you're pacing yourself on a first trad lead or looking to polish your crack climbing skills, the route’s compact length makes it an achievable objective within a half-day outing. Prepare for moderate exposure as you navigate the mid-section seam, a stretch where nature’s steady grip nudges you upward with a subtle but persistent challenge.

Local insight suggests tackling this climb in the cooler morning or late afternoon to bypass the midday sun’s peak intensity, ensuring your hands maintain their edge on the warm granite. Adequate hydration and sticky-soled shoes are essential, as is a mid-sized rack that covers everything from finger cracks to those selective 2.5-inch pockets.

Gear up for the experience: while the route’s modest length gives a sense of quick satisfaction, the precise placements and mental focus it demands promise a climb that’s both rewarding and instructive. 'If Found Please Call' stands out in the Southern Sierra as a climb that combines rugged simplicity with enough complexity to engage a thoughtful trad climber.

Climber Safety

The line features some extended segments where protection is spaced and knobs require confident gear placement. Climbers should be comfortable with moderate runout and vigilant about anchor and cam placement quality. The approach trail is well-marked but rocky in sections—sturdy, grippy footwear is advised.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length82 feet

Local Tips

Approach via the Shuteye Ridge trail; it offers a steady footing and clear wayfinding.

Plan your climb for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of midday.

Wear shoes with excellent friction to handle the varying texture of the granite knobs.

Prepare to manage runouts with calm focus—protection points can be spaced out.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9 PG13
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 PG13 grading signals that while the moves aren’t technically extreme, the protection spacing raises the mental stakes. This isn’t a casual 5.9; it calls for solid gear judgement and composure. The crux centers around sustained placements on knobs that can feel a bit runout compared to denser protection on nearby routes like 'Seek and Ye Shall Find.' This subtle bump makes the climb memorable for those refining their trad skills.

Gear Requirements

Knobs require deliberate gear placements, with protection comfortably sized up to 2.5 inches. Bring a well-rounded rack emphasizing solid cams suitable for medium to large cracks.

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Tags

trad
single-pitch
5.9
knobs
granite
Southern Sierra
medium protection
PG13
technical seam