Lichen It presents a concentrated burst of slab climbing that rewards focus and balance on a smooth, vertical face. Positioned on the Right Tier within Area 13 of Clark Canyon, this single-pitch sport route stretches a compact 35 meters (about 115 feet) and offers a pure slab experience framed by the rugged Sierra Eastside near Mammoth Lakes, California. From the base, the rock invites quiet attention as dozens of tiny holds—some barely perceptible—challenge your footwork and the confidence of your smearing technique. Lichen It’s 11 bolts provide solid protection spaced to encourage precise movement rather than power, making it a friendly introduction to friction-dependent climbing.

The morning sun gradually warms the slab’s face, amplifying the texture of the granite and allowing the rock’s nuanced features to speak to the climber’s touch. Beneath your fingertips, patches of lichen pepper the surface, hinting at the route’s name and adding a tactile element that connects you with the natural world. The angle is moderate but involves mindful foot placements and a steady rhythm to navigate the subtle transitions. Experienced climbers will appreciate the route’s purity, while those newer to slab work will find a manageable challenge that enhances balance and technique.

Accessing Lichen It is straightforward. The approach meanders briefly through open terrain, only lightly forested, leading directly to the right side of Area 13’s rock formations. The setting provides panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks, a quiet companion to your climb. Bring a 70-meter rope to ensure a smooth lower back to the base from the top anchors. While 60 meters is sometimes cited, the extra length is a safety buffer against rope drag or slight deviations in descent path.

Protection is rock-solid, with 11 well-spaced bolts anchored in placid granite. The bolts take the stress off tricky placements, though an open shut quickdraw paired with a backup carabiner is recommended for lowering. With five votes yielding a modest 2.4-star rating, opinions vary; however, climbers seeking slab-focused climbs with minimal overhangs and a clean, encouraging face will find this route worthwhile.

When you climb Lichen It, expect a focus on technique over brute strength. It’s an invitation to move deliberately and breathe steadily, feeling the rock underfoot as you carve your line upward. For those plotting their ascent in the Mammoth Lakes area, this climb offers a concise but rewarding slab challenge with enough climbing length to sharpen footwork without demanding endurance. Plan your day with light layers, good climbing shoes with sticky rubber, and plenty of water—the dry Sierra air can sneak up on you. Morning to early afternoon climbs are ideal before the sun shifts behind adjacent ridges, and always check local weather and conditions ahead.

Lichen It may not boast the flashiest rating or length, but it delivers value through its focused slab climbing essence—a solid choice for climbers who appreciate precision, calm, and connection to the granite underfoot.