Simkin wrote:According to this site the easiest route for Eichorn Pinnacle is 5.4. One can't descend without a rope.
Plenty of folks go up and down without a rope. I picked that one because the 5.4 rating matched your Emerson one. The crux on Eichorn has a bolt with a hanger conveniently located. You could bring a carabiner with a sling attached if you wanted the extra safety, hardly weighs anything. If you can solo 5.4 you can do Eichorn without a rope.
Same for Michael Minaret.
Michael Minaret is rated class 4 via Stars Chute, Eichorn Chute, and from The Portal. Should be easier than 5.4, no?
In contrast, Emerson peak has a class 3 descent route and is as close to North Lake drive in campground as the Minarets are to Minaret lakes.
Ok, you want
easier day hikes, I kinda missed that. Let's revise the list:
*Tenya Peak, North Buttress
*Cathedral SE Buttress (5.6)
Echo Peaks
Eichorn Pinnacle
*Rosy Finch Peak, North Ridge
*Mt. Hoffmann, NE Ridge
*Laurel Mtn, NE Gully
*Hurd Peak, South Ridge
*Independence Peak, North RIdge
Cockscomb, Tuolumne
We could add a few more though:
*Dozier Dome, Tuolumne
*Peak 9,205ft, Tuolumne
Tresidder Peak, Tuolumne
*Thor Peak, Stemwinder
*Lower Brother (Yosemite Valley), Michael's Ledge
Gunsight (YV)
*El Cap Gully (YV)
*Indian Canyon (YV)
All of these are class 3 to low class 5 with short approaches. With the exception of Eichorn Pinnacle, all have a descent at class 4 or less, most (marked by a "*") much less.
Probably lots more, too...