"Looks Like a Line threads a compact blend of climbing styles on Pinecrest Dam Slab, guiding you through liebacks, jams, slab moves, and a sharp dihedral crux. With solid gear options and a roaring dam below, this 110-foot route offers a lively and accessible trad challenge."
Climbing "Looks Like a Line" offers a dynamic taste of classic California trad climbing on Pinecrest Dam Slab’s inviting granite face. This single-pitch route, stretching just over 100 feet, presents an engaging journey through several distinct climbing moves that keep you mentally alert and physically involved. From the first purposeful reach into a lieback to the perfectly finger-sized jams inside a hollow flake, the climb blends technical finesse with a touch of wild terrain. The approach is punctuated by the constant backdrop of Pinecrest Dam’s rushing water, demanding clear shouts and focused communication between partners as the river’s voice fills the air.
First, you head directly upward toward “the hole” — a shallow opening that acts as a visual guidepost. From there, the line arcs slightly left, using a lone bolt on a slab before transitioning into a right-facing dihedral that challenges your balance and footwork. The final stretch demands smarts: thin, delicate cams fit the narrow cracks of the top dihedral, where the crux tests your ability to stay controlled under pressure. The rock here feels honest, unforgiving, and real—granite that has stood for millennia yet demands respect from every climber.
Nature’s presence is tangible all along the route. A rattlesnake made an appearance near the top anchor one day, offering a reminder that this wall shares its space with local wildlife. The noisy dam below fills the air, its metallic roar pushing your commands into shouted calls that echo off the rock.
Protection relies heavily on a full rack, including a strong complement of tiny cams to secure placements in the slender cracks near the top. While there’s a single bolt guarding the slab section, most of the route depends on traditional gear, bringing a protective challenge that matches its movement diversity. The two-bolt anchor lacks rap rings, so be ready with a 70-meter rope to lower or set a top-rope setup safely.
For those planning to climb, sturdy climbing shoes with sensitive toes will help you dance across slab moves and jam perfectly in the hollow flake. Hydration and timing are key — afternoon sun can warm the rock but also dry the atmosphere, while early morning climbs offer crisp air and less crowd interference. The approach is short but requires attention to footing and awareness of surroundings, as Pinecrest Dam’s dramatic landscape commands respect.
This route suits climbers looking to experience a compact sample of trad styles, from jams and liebacks to slabby balance and a technical dihedral crux. It’s an ideal choice for gaining confidence on trad protection while savoring a quiet but imposing granite face with a soundtrack crafted by the dam’s relentless flow.
Be alert for rattlesnakes in the upper sections, especially under rocks and ledges. The gravelly approach demands careful footing to avoid slips. The dam’s constant roar complicates communication, so always establish clear signals before starting the climb. Note the anchor lacks rap rings, so double-check your rappel setup.
Watch for wildlife, especially rattlesnakes near the upper sections.
Communicate loudly due to dam noise—hand signals may be hard to see.
Start early in the day to avoid sun exposure and afternoon heat.
Wear shoes with good slab sensitivity and sticky rubber for jammed corners.
Bring a full rack of cams ranging from tiny to medium sizes, with an emphasis on small protection for the narrow top dihedral cracks. One bolt protects a slab section, but mostly rely on gear placements. Anchor has two bolts but no rap rings; a 70-meter rope is necessary for safe lowering or setting up a top rope.
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