The Sting

One of the best trad multipitch climbs of its grade in Tuolumne. Varied and sustained climbing with great position and excellent exposure combined with good protection makes it super fun.

Pitch 1 climbs the excellent hand and finger crack first pitch of Hoodwink 5.8 and gear belay. Combining this short pitch with the next pitch is not recommended.

Pitch 2 ascends moderate climbing right past two pins and two bolts. At the second bolt, improbable thin face climbing leads hard left past 5.9+ with a nice mantle finish then head up past a third bolt to a bolted belay. Either belay at the bolt anchor or continue up to the left side of the pitch 3 roof and make a gear belay.

Pitch 3 goes up the easy corner then underclings the roof that is just sustained incredible climbing, turn the right side and belay, 5.9+.

Pitch 4 is the business, a clean short thin finger crack with good, tricky to place gear, sweet exposure, beautiful jams leads to easy climbing and a gear belay on a nice ledge, 5.10-.

Pitch 5 takes the easy corner to low angle and minimally protected face climbing which ends at a bolted belay, 5.6R.

Continue up unprotected fourth class slab to begin the down climb.

This route starts on the south face of Harlequin Dome sharing the same first pitch as Hoodwink. To descend, walk down west to the gully between Harlequin and Stately Pleasure Dome and follow a faint trail down. The descent is easy and safe and should take about 15 minutes back to your pack.

Protection should include small stoppers to 2-1/2 inch cams. Emphasize 1 inch to 2 inch cams and long slings for the roof traverse/undercling.