"Make It So offers a unique blend of traditional and aid climbing across eight pitches on Yosemite’s Leaning Tower. Featuring solid protection and stunning valley views, this route challenges climbers with varied crack systems and rewarding bivy options."
Make It So offers climbers an engrossing vertical pursuit on Yosemite’s Leaning Tower, blending tradition and aid techniques across eight pitches of varied climbing. This route begins with a tactful approach where early difficulties test your route-finding instincts and gear placements, yet rewards patience with exposed traverses above the second pitch that open up expansive views over the valley’s rugged expanse. The climb wears the character of a route that revealed itself gradually — the line threading through cracks that welcome beaks and natural pro, while stainless steel hardware ensures reliability on fixed sections. Belay stations mostly consist of two-bolt anchors for solid stances, with a couple slightly more adventurous spots requiring trusted cams or bomber beak placements to secure your safety.
Above the initial pitches, the rock quality sharpens, and the climbing becomes more sustained and compelling, with crack systems that invite precise gear work and aid tactics. This route remains a favored choice for climbers seeking a hybrid experience—part trad, part aid—that grounds their adventure in Yosemite’s enduring granite presence. The Bridge, a renowned portaledge bivy site along the way, offers an opportunity to extend the experience into a multi-day Jaunt, supported by reliable hardware and commanding views that turn the bivy into a platform of solitude and inspiration.
Approach involves accessing the Leaning Tower area from Yosemite Valley’s south side, with established trails leading close before a short off-trail move connects to the route’s base. The initial two pitches can be bypassed by linking in from Final Frontier’s third pitch, a maneuver that requires familiarity but can speed access to the route’s core.
Gear considerations include a comprehensive rack of beak placements and cams tailored to varied crack sizes, in addition to aid-specific equipment. Due to recent alterations—some bolts added on overlapping pitches with a nearby free climbing project—consulting the latest topo is critical for safe navigation. Weather in this part of Yosemite can shift quickly; early mornings or late afternoons in spring through fall optimize conditions by avoiding peak heat and maintaining dry crack systems.
Climbing Make It So balances committed trad climbing with controlled aid sections, rewarding those who bring both technical skill and an eye for efficient protection. It’s a route that unfolds as a puzzle, inviting climbers to read the rock and appreciate the evolving landscape with every pitch. Whether you bivy on The Bridge or complete it as a long day, this line remains a memorable addition to Yosemite’s climbing anthology.
Be alert that some belays are less conventional with just one bolt supplemented by cams or beaks. Confirm equipment reliability and practice safe aid transitions. Seasonal weather shifts can produce slick rock early or late in the day; always check conditions before committing.
Bypass the first two pitches by intersecting Final Frontier’s third pitch for a shorter approach to the core line.
Use The Bridge portaledge bivy for an overnight stay to fully experience the route’s vertical camp and views.
Due to recent bolt additions on shared pitches, double-check topo updates to avoid surprises on protection.
Start early in the day to benefit from cooler rock temperatures and avoid afternoon heat on exposed sections.
The route relies predominantly on 3/8" stainless steel hardware with a full rack of beak placements and cams recommended for protection. Some belays require supplemental gear due to fewer bolts, so pack a solid aid rack alongside trad gear. Consult the latest topo for current bolt placements and route conditions.
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