Misfire at Guntower Wall: A Sport Climb with Slabby Surprises

South Lake Tahoe, California United States
slab climbing
reachy bolt
single pitch
sport climb
Lake Tahoe
low angle terrain
Length: 90 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Misfire
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Misfire challenges with its wandering slab moves and a reachy final bolt that tests climbers’ technique and grace. Situated on Guntower Wall’s South Shore, this short sport climb invites an engaged, detail-focused ascent for intermediate climbers."

Misfire at Guntower Wall: A Sport Climb with Slabby Surprises

Misfire on Guntower Wall presents a compelling single-pitch sport climb that blends diverse terrain with subtle technical challenges. Located on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe in California’s Meyers Area, this 90-foot route invites climbers into an experience marked by slabby moves and a vertical hold that demands precision. From the first move, the climb leads left on inviting slab before ascending a vertical section that soon eases into a low-angle slab where the climber briefly slips out of the belayer’s line of sight, adding a quiet test of confidence and self-reliance.

The final section features a bolt set high and somewhat reachy, especially challenging for climbers under 5 feet 5 inches tall, requiring a strategic approach and possibly dynamic movement. Climbers challenged by this reachy anchor can instead veer right, engaging a 5th class slab climb that links up with the neighboring route "Support Your S.A.C.", thus providing an alternate and accessible finish. This nuance adds a welcome layer of choice, accommodating a range of climbers and styles.

The wall itself wears a mix of textured slabs and vertical moves that encourage careful footwork and body positioning. The bolts—13 in total—are solidly placed up to the anchor, offering reliable protection for the sport climber but calling for thoughtful clipping on some sections. The climb’s character offers more than just physical challenge; it demands quiet focus as the rock’s subtle features require climbers to trust their feet even as the terrain shifts beneath them.

Approaching Misfire requires a short hike into the Guntower Wall area, known for its approachable trail and clear signage. The stone here bears the marks of weather and wear but remains consistently solid underfoot and hand, with the afternoon sun casting warm light that accentuates the rock's grippiness. This timing suggests afternoons as an optimal window to climb, allowing the wall to dry thoroughly from morning dew and offering better friction.

Climbers should prepare with shoes suited for slab and friction climbing, along with a harness and quickdraws—all essential for navigating the bolts. Hydration is key; while the route is relatively short, Lake Tahoe’s elevation means thinner air and quicker fatigue. Weather in the South Shore region can turn rapidly, so bringing layers and checking forecasts is strongly recommended.

Misfire rewards those who appreciate the subtle technical elements of slab climbing and offers a chance to practice reach-technique near the anchor, where a slight stretch may make all the difference. This sport climb captures a blend of simplicity and ambition, making it an inviting choice for intermediate climbers looking to sharpen skills in a beautiful, accessible setting.

Climber Safety

Visibility briefly drops as you move onto the low-angle slab section, requiring strong communication with your belayer. Also, the last bolt’s height can cause awkward clip attempts; assess your ability here or take the alternative right-hand slab finish to avoid risk.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length90 feet

Local Tips

Start the climb with focused attention on foot placement: slab moves demand steady balance.

Approach in mid-afternoon when the rock is warm and dry for optimal friction.

Tall climbers should test the reach to the last bolt beforehand to avoid surprises.

Carry enough water and dress in layers; weather can shift quickly at Tahoe’s elevation.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10a rating on Misfire feels true to its style, with well-proportioned technical moves on slab that offer a moderate but engaging challenge. The crux comes near the top where the reachy bolt pushes climbers to extend fully—this may bump the effort slightly for shorter climbers. Compared to other local sport routes of similar grade, Misfire leans into delicate balance rather than power.

Gear Requirements

Bring a standard sport rack with 12–13 quickdraws to clip all bolts comfortably. Note the final bolt placed higher than usual—climbers under 5'5" might want to plan for dynamic moves or use the alternate slab finish to the right.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Misfire and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

slab climbing
reachy bolt
single pitch
sport climb
Lake Tahoe
low angle terrain