OverviewE = Extreme heat, P = Poison Oak, I = Irritating Insects, C = Cool Head....(runout pro!), S = Snakes! Bold, unrelenting, captivating, EPIC!! This is what goes on inside most climbers heads when they get their first eyeful of The Fin. For those who enjoy suffering, this blade of granite has your name written all over it! Located in Sequoia National Park, The Fin and it's next door neighbor, Castle Rock Spire, have been the subject matter of photographers, naturalists and adventuresome climbers. The Fin is just part of the granite landscape along the Great Western Divide. Placed on the south slopes of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, The Fin's approach is heavily guarded by steep cross-country terrain, groves of skin-piercing manzanita, ever-present poison oak, blood sucking ticks, debilitating heat and deviant diamondback rattlesnakes! And if you don't think that is enough, water sources are few and far between. But once at the base of this sweeping backcountry dome, you'll be forgetting what was once behind and gaggling to grope the gregarious granite. It's most "popular" route, 'Silver Lining', is by far the most treasured yet most unforgiving path upon it's flanks. Silver Lining boasts of 50 to 60 foot runout sections on fairly sustained 5.9 terrain. And the features are similar to that upon most Tuolumne domes (ie small dishes and depressions, small flairing underlaps etc). This route (as of June 2002) has only seen it's 18th ascent. Castle Rock Spire has seen even fewer and has been the center of discussion as to "what Sierra summit is the most difficult to climb by it's easiest route" (Regular Route IV 5.11 or 5.9 A2). Of those exceptionally few who have completed routes on The Fin, all have claimed it to be one of the best backcountry experiences ever! A quote from the most recent ascent party: "Overall, we thought the area was fantastic and wild with great climbing, but it's approach is destined to keep it very unpopular". Adventure awaits.......
Getting ThereThe start of this long apporach begins at the Paradise Creek Trailhead at the back end of the Buckeye Flat Campground. Be sure to fill up the water bottles/Camelbaks before hitting the trailhead. The Middle Fork Kaweah drainage is well-known for its stagnating heat and lack of H2O. Once on the Paradise Creek trail, it will cross over a branch of the Middle Fork Kaweah River then on over to Paradise Creek. The trail follows the creek for approximately 2 miles. Look for a faint trail heading east and away from the creek at this point. Follow it up a steep, grassy ridge and eventually past a LARGE burnt oak tree. Once past the oak tree, look carefully for the long abandoned Castle Rock trail. Follow this overgrown trail for approximately 4 miles as it contours the eastern landscape before passing three small gullies. The last boulder strewn gully turns southeast and upward toward the notch between The Fin and Castle Rock Spire. Approach the western apron of The Fin by hiking this gully midway up then traverse back left (north). For routes to Castle Rock Spire, continue up the remaining part of the gully to the notch (3rd/4th class snow, when in season) and 4th and 5th class when no snow is present.
Red TapePark all vehicles at the Hospital Rock parking lot. The NPS will not permit vehicles to be parked in the Buckeye Flat campgrounds unless the vehicle is registered to a designated campsite or an Overnight Wilderness Permit has been acquired. All vehicles are subject to citation if they are not in compliance. Buckeye Flat campground is subject to closure if the snow line drops to that level. With the later being true, one may park their vehicle under that condition and next to the gate. Also, bears are active in this area of the park. Be sure to secure your vehicle properly and obey park regulations.
When To ClimbConsidering the long approach, initial trailhead elevation (2800' feet) and the San Joaquin valley heat index........SPRING is the best time for climbing The Fin. Water is available and the weather is fairly stable. However, cold spells have been known to last well into the later part of May!! But rest assured, the insect population will be low in numbers. On sunny spring days or late fall, be on the sharp lookout for rattlesnakes! (see trip report by Craig Clarence).
CampingCamping is available at the Potwisha or Buckeye Flat campground. The later being the best choice for the approach. Location, cost per night and additional information can be viewed on the NPS Visitor web page.
Mountain ConditionsThe main concern is not so much The Fin itself but the initial approach. Poison oak is everywhere and ticks are always looking to hitch hike on a body part. Be sure to bring some DEET. Not only will this ward off most of the mosquitoes but prevent ticks from burrowing into the skin. The Middle Fork of the Kaweah is also a watershed. Campfires are NOT permitted in this area. Careless hikers started the 1980 Paradise Valley fire.
Miscellaneous InfoFor further details or information relating to The Fin, Castle Rock Spire or surrounding features (ie The Keep, The Axe), consult R.J. Secor's "High Sierra: Peaks, Passes And Trails".
External Links Images
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Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP
