Overview
North Dome is a beautiful granite formation near the end of the Highway 180 in Kings Canyon National Park. Like its counterpart in Yosemite, North Dome has some excellent rock climbing of a very high standard. Climbing on North Dome is very reminicent of climbing in Yosemite Valley without the crowds.
The following routes are found on North Dome ( west to east ) -
Dolphin Dreams V, 5.11-, A3, 8 pitches.
Freak Show V, 5.8, A3, 8 pitches.
My Own Private Idaho V, 5.10, A2
The Roman Arch III, 5.7, A2.
The Chernobyl Wall - six free routes varying from 2 pitch 5.10a to a 4 pitch 5.11 route.
North To The Bone V, 5.9, A3, 11 pitches.
Herbert / Frost Route IV, 5.8, A4 or 5.11 +
A Tall Cool One V, 5.11
North Of Eden V, 5.10 +, 11 pitches
North Dome can also be walked up from the " back side " although I am not aware of any trails or established routes to the top. Consult a topo map for an adventurous class 2 cross country bushwack.
Getting There
From Fresno, take Hwy 180 to Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. North Dome is near the end of the road on the north side of Kings Canyon across from the Grand Sentinel.
Red Tape
There is an entrance fee for Kings Canyon National Park - currently $ 10.00 per vehicle. A special wilderness permit is required to biviouac on these climbs as camping is not allowed in the Cedar Grove area outside of the established campgrounds ( inquire at the Cedar Grove Ranger Station ). Special permission may also be required to park overnight outside of the regular fee campgrounds. Cedar Grove is open from mid April until mid November ( or the first snow fall ). Call the Kings Canyon National Park at 559 - 565 - 3341 for current conditions. The Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Park website is Sequoia Kings Canyon
When To Climb
The best time to do these climbs is June - September.
Camping
Camping is only allowed in established campgrounds ( fee required ) of which there are several. Climbers bivouacing need to contact the Park Rangers in Cedar Grove for permits.
Sequoia Kings Canyon
Mountain Conditions
Call the Kings Canyon National Park at 559 - 565 - 3341 for current conditions. Or go to the Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Park website, here - Sequoia Kings Canyon
External LinksImages
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Sierra Nevada
