HomeClimbingLost With a GPS

Lost With a GPS: A Subtle Balance on Lost Wall

Lee Vining, California United States
slabby
flake
single pitch
bolted
trad options
high elevation
Yosemite granite
Length: 90 ft
Type: Trad, Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Lost With a GPS
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Lost With a GPS navigates a subtle and slabby line on Yosemite’s Lost Wall. Mixing bolts and trad placements, this 90-foot climb rewards precise footwork and careful gear choices in a quiet yet compelling high-country setting."

Lost With a GPS: A Subtle Balance on Lost Wall

Lost With a GPS presents a compelling blend of trad and sport climbing on the stark faces of Mariuolumne Dome, found in the wild heart of Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne Meadows. This single-pitch, 90-foot route keeps you attentive from start to finish, with a route that wanders purposefully across a slabby terrain punctuated by a hollow flake that tests both gear judgment and technical confidence. The climb’s defining moment comes in a slender, slabby section near the top, where the crux challenges your smarts rather than pure power, demanding precise footwork and steady nerves.

Arriving at the flake, your instincts guide you to avoid the most obvious cam placement at first, thanks to the hollowness that could betray your thread of protection. Instead, patience rewards the climber with a secure hold just beyond, where a 1.25-inch cam locks solidly in position. Added in 2010, a bolt guards an initial bulge that once left sparse options, preventing reliance on an aging fixed pin whose fate is uncertain. The presence of four bolts along this route interspersed with carefully chosen traditional gear gives the climb a versatile character – approachable yet grounded in sound climbing ethics.

Starting the climb on top rope at the more direct line introduces a crux rated near 5.10a, sharper in intensity but still true to the route’s measured demands. The two-bolt anchor, set with sport lower-offs, offers a secure finish ensuring a confident descent. What makes Lost With a GPS stand apart is its subtle interplay—no over-the-top difficulty, but a genuine call for attention to protection placement and slab technique. This route may not dazzle with flashy moves or overwhelming exposure, but it embodies a pure Yosemite granite challenge: the quiet focus of reading the rock and trusting your gear.

Beyond the climb itself, the setting amplifies the experience. Lost Wall's granite invites cool breezes and dappled sunlight that shift as the day moves on. Elevation at nearly 8,600 feet adds freshness to the air, while Tuolumne Meadows’ sweeping vistas remind you why this high country terrain attracts climbers searching for thoughtful routes without crowds. Plan your ascent for morning or late afternoon when the light softens the slab, otherwise midday heat bakes the rock and dulls friction.

Gear up with a modest rack emphasizing four bolts, a fixed pin, and particularly that 1.25" cam—its placement is mission-critical. Thin cams can help with the climb’s start, but know some spots are better protected by the bolts bolstered by careful trad hookups. Approach Lost Wall by following established trails from the Tuolumne Meadows parking area, a manageable 20-minute walk through mixed forest and granite slabs. The descent is straightforward with rappels from the two-bolt anchor; bring extra cord and check your rappel rings beforehand.

Lost With a GPS rewards climbers who appreciate quiet tactics over brute force, precision over flash. It’s a line that pulls you into Yosemite’s storied granite landscape and demands respect for subtle rock features and prudent gear choices. Whether you're honing slab skills or expanding trad experience in a stunning national park setting, this route offers a focused and memorable outing ready to challenge your next climbing session.

Climber Safety

Be cautious of hollow gear placements at the flake, particularly the initial 1.25-inch cam spot. The fixed pin protecting the bulge may not be reliable over time, so rely on bolts and carefully tested cams. Watch for slick granite during warm mid-days that reduce friction and increase slip risk.

Route Details

TypeTrad, Sport
Pitches1
Length90 feet

Local Tips

Avoid the hollow 1.25-inch cam placement near the first flake; look for a more solid spot a little farther up.

Plan your climb for morning or late afternoon to avoid slab-baking sun and improve friction.

Bring extra rappel cord; anchor has two bolts with sport lower-offs for a safe descent.

The approach trail from Tuolumne Meadows parking is about 20 minutes and well-marked through mixed terrain.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:While initially rated 5.9, the climbing community generally agrees on 5.8, reflecting the route’s moderate challenge focused on technique rather than power. The slab crux near the top demands delicate footwork and precise balance, making the rating feel appropriate, if occasionally spiked by the thin and hollow nature of some placements. Compared to nearby Mariuolumne routes, it's a softer, lower-commitment option ideal for climbers working slab tactics.

Gear Requirements

The route features four bolts, including a bolt added to protect the initial bulge, one fixed pin of uncertain long-term reliability, and a critical 1.25-inch cam for the flake placement. Optional thin cams can assist at the start.

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Tags

slabby
flake
single pitch
bolted
trad options
high elevation
Yosemite granite