Approach
From the end of the Hwy 180, follow the trail west along the Kings River to the bridge crossing below the Grand Sentinel. Wander up talus and into the gully that runs under the North Face ( the D. O. A. gully ). See approach topo.
Route Description
Several hundred feet uphill from the Cosmopolis Route ( almost at the Northeast Buttress ) is a wide steep ramp leading up and right. Follow the ramp for 4 pitches of mostly easy 5th class climbing to its end. Pitch 5 is the crux - difficult free climbing leads to akward difficult nailing through an double overhang to a thin seam ( A4 ) which is followed right to a bush. Mixed free and aid lead futher right to a pendulum right to a corner. 2 free pitches lead to the top. See topo ( in photo section ).
Essential Gear
6 - 8 knifeblades ( 1/2 shortys ), 8 lost arrows, 4 - 6 bugaboos, 3 each 1/2" - 1" angles, 1 each 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" angles, 1 set Friends (extra # 1 1/2 & # 2 ), 12 stoppers # 4 - 12, 1 each bathook, skyhook & leeper flatnose ( 1985 rack ). I am clueless if this route has seen a 2nd ascent or not. For current information, see the Cedar Grove Ranger Station.
Miscellaneous Info
If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.