"A sustained, overhanging 40-foot sport climb that demands steady power and clean technique. Mowing the Yawn offers no easy moments but plenty of positive holds, making it the standout climb on Buck Rock."
Mowing the Yawn stands as a standout sport climb on Buck Rock, located within the rugged wilderness of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California. This climb throws you into an overhanging terrain that demands both power and precision, rewarding those who seek a direct challenge with no moments to rest. The route spans 40 feet and is peppered with positive holds that keep your hands and feet hooked as you push past about four bolts toward a secure, bolted belay anchor. The scene is striking—rock faces bathed in sunlight alternate with fleeting patches of shade, while the surrounding high country offers the crisp scent of pine and the distant hum of wind moving through the cliffs.
Despite being rated 5.10a, the climb earns a reputation for being stiff because sustained moves continuously test your stamina and technique. Unlike routes that vary in difficulty, Mowing the Yawn maintains its intensity from bottom to top, leaving no room for easy patches. The rock’s texture provides enough friction to make each foothold reliable, but the overhang ensures you engage your core and upper body throughout the ascent. The climb is particularly favored among locals and visitors alike, establishing itself as the most popular line on Buck Rock for its straightforward yet relentless nature.
Access involves a short scramble up a class 4 approach to reach the base of the climb, where a old pipe descends through a nearby chimney on the right. This feature offers an option to top-rope for those who want to preview the moves or enjoy the experience with less commitment to the lead. Drawing gear is essential, and the fixed bolts offer solid protection, marking a dependable path up this classic sport route.
When planning your climb, morning to early afternoon climbs are ideal to avoid the strongest sun and allow the rock to maintain good friction in warmer months. The surrounding wilderness offers ample quiet and fresh air, making your time on the wall feel both adventurous and grounded in nature. While the route is short, the challenge compacts a full-strength workout into this concentrated pitch, perfect for climbers looking to buck quick gains with technique and tenacity.
Keep an eye on loose holds near the chimney scramble and exercise caution on the class 4 approach. The overhanging profile poses fall potential onto bolts—make sure to clip securely and wear a helmet for protection from falling debris.
Start early to avoid the midday heat and maintain rock friction.
Wear shoes with good edging capability for sustained moves.
Bring at least 8 quickdraws for comfort and safety on the bolts.
Approach carefully via the class 4 scramble; watch for loose rock near the chimney.
Use quickdraws for clipping the bolts on this route’s overhanging line. A rope around 60 meters is sufficient for the 40-foot pitch. Top-roping is an option by scrambling up and threading a rope through an old pipe descending a chimney to the right of the climb.
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