Isostacy offers a solid introduction to the varied challenges of Yosemite’s granite, delivering a blend of crack and face climbing spread over four pitches. Situated on Dozier Dome in the high country of Tuolumne Meadows, this route invites climbers into a landscape marked by bright white rock faces and sharp, clean flakes that hold both protection and promise. The approach begins with a straightforward scramble up about 50 feet of easy fourth-class terrain to a comfortable ledge, setting the tone for a climb that rewards careful route reading and steady footwork.

The second pitch is the heart of the route’s character and challenge. A rightward trending ramp leads you to a prominent downward-pointing roof flake that demands thoughtful gear placements and calculated moves. Though some sections carry a PG13 rating for their runout nature, protection is available, and solid stances allow confident placements between bolts. After pulling onto the flake, a sequence of face climbs and careful traverses takes you past four bolts to a secure double-bolt anchor. This pitch, approximately 160 to 170 feet in length, offers excellent climbing that asks for commitment but rewards precision.

Moving into the third pitch, the terrain shifts to a more relaxed 5.6 hand crack rising 200 feet up and right. The rock here is cleaner and whiter, offering a bit of breathing room with modest gear placements before the crack, though some runners are necessary to keep the line protected. Despite occasional runouts early on, this pitch provides a welcome rhythm, combining technical moves with flowing stemming and finger jams.

The final pitch climbs straight up through bulges guarded by three bolts, finishing at a two-bolt anchor with chains after 60 feet. At 5.8, it demands sharp focus and careful movement, making it a fitting coda to a route that balances adventurous sections with well-protected climbing.

Gear setup calls for a standard trad rack with nuts and cams up to 2 inches, emphasizing small cams and long runners to handle the wandering nature of the second pitch and the start of the third. The approach to Dozier Dome is accessible by a well-marked trail from Tuolumne Meadows, a high alpine meadow at just under 9,000 feet elevation. The trail climbs gently, crossing forested sections where the pine scents mingle with fresh mountain air—a perfect way to prime your senses before the granite demands your full attention.

Plan your ascent for a morning start when the east-facing wall catches early sun, warming the rock and drying any overnight moisture. Late summer and early fall offer the most stable conditions, with less chance of afternoon thunderstorms that often roll through Yosemite’s high country.

Descending is straightforward, involving a series of rappels down Dozier Dome’s established anchors or a walk-off option along talus slopes to the base, though climbers should stay alert for loose rock and variable footing.

Isostacy invites climbers ready to engage with classic Sierra granite on a route that pushes just enough to keep the experience thrilling without overwhelming. It’s a climb that challenges your route-finding and gear management while surrounding you with the vast openness and crisp mountain light of Tuolumne Meadows.