5.9, Trad
Lee Vining
California ,United States
"Jailbreak Finish offers a steep, clean finale to the classic On the Lamb route on Lamb Dome’s West Face. This single-pitch trad climb blends precise gear placements with bolted security, delivering a gratifying ascent capped by Yosemite’s iconic alpine vistas."
Jailbreak Finish carves out a compelling final chapter to the classic On the Lamb climb, set on the rugged West Face of Lamb Dome in the heart of Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park. This route emerges just where the exertion of the preceding climb begins to ease, offering steep, clean climbing that tests both technique and focus. Starting slightly right of Carpet Crawler, climbers will encounter large hollow blocks beneath a distinct left-facing corner—a subtle landmark marking the route’s start. The climb initially challenges you with a bolt-protected section before leading upward toward a bolted anchor boldly stamped with "jail" and "break," sitting just 30 feet above the main On the Lamb pitch.
From this anchor, the route veers left along a dike that is punctuated with bolts, guiding climbers into a natural hole that hosts a secure belay station. This setup offers a moment to regroup before the final pitch, which gently ascends past a few more bolts to a gear anchor positioned near the summit of Lamb Dome. The transition to the summit brings a welcomed relief with somewhat easier moves, but the steep, clean rock requires precision and solid footwork throughout.
Lamb Dome’s granite holds a sharp, enduring grip under your fingertips, while the West Face basks in a mix of afternoon sunlight and lingering shade, offering comfortable conditions especially in late spring through early fall. The surrounding Tuolumne Meadows buzzes quietly below, the sounds of rushing water from nearby streams daring your focus, reminding you of the wildness beneath this alpine perch.
Preparation hinges on bringing draws supplemented by some traditional gear left over from On the Lamb’s main pitches; the protection is straightforward but still demands attention for placements. The route’s single pitch makes it an efficient finish, ideal when looking to extend your day with a quality summit push without the commitment of multiple pitches.
Access to the climb begins at the established On the Lamb trailhead, threading through classic Tuolumne granite terrain with well-defined trails that balance forested stretches and exposed granite slabs. The approach generally takes under 30 minutes and rewards hikers with views that stretch across the high country’s sweeping ridges and lush valleys, setting the stage for a memorable climb.
Jailbreak Finish serves both as a gratifying conclusion to On the Lamb and as a standalone test of clean, traditionally protected rock climbing. This route offers a raw slice of Yosemite’s alpine character that is at once approachable for the seasoned climber and inviting for those ready to step into the realm of multi-pitch trad routes with some bolted security.
Be mindful of loose blocks near the start beneath the left-facing corner and double-check all gear placements despite the bolted sections. Approaching late or in wet conditions can make the rock slick and increase risk on the steep slabs.
Approach via On the Lamb trailhead, stay alert for route junctions to avoid confusion with Carpet Crawler.
Carry a moderate rack from On the Lamb since some traditional gear is required near anchors.
Focus on precision footwork; rock is clean but steep with technical sections requiring balance.
Plan your climb for late spring to early fall to avoid lingering snow and benefit from ideal temperatures.
Primarily relies on draws for bolted sections, complemented by trad gear carried from On the Lamb. Most protection is straightforward with known placements and fixed bolts marking key safety points.
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