Touchstone Blog Archive
Friday, July 15, 2011
Climbing in the High Sierra
Tioga Pass is open. Summer is in full swing in the Sierra and there are a ton of great routes to go out and climb. Tuolumne Meadows hosts a ton of classic moderate routes. From the 5.7 Matthes Crest Traverse to the popular Cathedral Peak, there is a little bit of Sierra adventure for every skill level.
Check out this home video of some climbers on Cathedral Peak.
On the eastern side of the Sierra, near Bridgeport, is the Incredible Hulk. The large granite formation hosts a slew of great rock climbs including the Red Dihedral (5.10b), the Astrohulk (5.11) and the Venturi Effect (5.12). For harder climbing in the Sierra, the Hulk is the spot. Check out this video of Kate Rutherford and Brittany Griffith trying the Venturi Effect.
When heading out to the mountains to get tradical, make sure you're prepared. Bring sunscreen and lots of water to combat the high altitude sun. Stop by your nearest Touchstone gym to pick up some new lightweight climbing gear, like Black Diamond Camalots and Neutrino carabiners to keep your pack a little bit lighter.
Check out this home video of some climbers on Cathedral Peak.
On the eastern side of the Sierra, near Bridgeport, is the Incredible Hulk. The large granite formation hosts a slew of great rock climbs including the Red Dihedral (5.10b), the Astrohulk (5.11) and the Venturi Effect (5.12). For harder climbing in the Sierra, the Hulk is the spot. Check out this video of Kate Rutherford and Brittany Griffith trying the Venturi Effect.
BD athletes Kate Rutherford and Brittany Griffith attempt Venturi Effect (IV 5.12) on the Incredible Hulk, High Sierras, CA from Black Diamond Equipment on Vimeo.
When heading out to the mountains to get tradical, make sure you're prepared. Bring sunscreen and lots of water to combat the high altitude sun. Stop by your nearest Touchstone gym to pick up some new lightweight climbing gear, like Black Diamond Camalots and Neutrino carabiners to keep your pack a little bit lighter.
Labels: Cathedral Peak, Incredible Hulk, Sierra Nevada
¶ Friday, July 15, 2011 0 Comments
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Yosemite Geology
On Tuesday, December 22 at 9 pm PST, a documentary titled How the Earth was made will be presented in the History channel. The show will contain a large section on the geology of Yosemite National Park and climber and geologist Bryan Law will be featured on the show.
The History channel describes the show saying, "The Sierra Nevada, North America's highest mountain range, contains one of the most awe-inspiring geological features on the planet: Yosemite Valley. Walled by sheer 3,000-foot granite cliffs and made from one of the toughest rocks on earth, it is home to the mighty El Capitan and iconic Half Dome. Yet how this extraordinary valley formed has been the subject of controversy for over 100 years. Was it carved by gigantic glaciers or a cataclysmic rifting of the Earth?"
The feature will contain some interesting footage and great information about the park's geology.
For more information about the documentary, check out the History Channel web page.
The History channel describes the show saying, "The Sierra Nevada, North America's highest mountain range, contains one of the most awe-inspiring geological features on the planet: Yosemite Valley. Walled by sheer 3,000-foot granite cliffs and made from one of the toughest rocks on earth, it is home to the mighty El Capitan and iconic Half Dome. Yet how this extraordinary valley formed has been the subject of controversy for over 100 years. Was it carved by gigantic glaciers or a cataclysmic rifting of the Earth?"
The feature will contain some interesting footage and great information about the park's geology.
For more information about the documentary, check out the History Channel web page.
Labels: History Channel, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite Geology
¶ Thursday, December 17, 2009 0 Comments
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Daniel Arnold's Early Days in the Range of Light
Early Days in the Range of Light follows climber Daniel Arnold as he retraces the footsteps of his climbing forefathers and provides us with a firsthand account as he follows the most adventurous climbs of John Muir, Clarence King, and many others. Arnold takes us back to the early days of climbing when mountaineers conquered the Sierra Nevada with only limited supplies. In the spirit of his predecessors, he carried only rudimentary equipment—no ropes, harnesses, or specialized climbing shoes—and experienced the mountains in a completely new and freeing way. On October 29, at 7 PM at Berkeley Ironworks, Daniel Arnold will be coming to Berkeley Ironworks to promote his book.
Labels: Clarence King, Daniel Arnold, Sierra Nevada
¶ Sunday, October 11, 2009 1 Comments
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Bear Valley Bouldering Bash
Next weekend, on October 3,2009, the Northern California’s Outdoor Bouldering Competition will be happening. Located 7000 feet along Highway 4 in the Central Sierra Nevada, the event celebrates the thrills of scenic High Sierra rock climbing through competition, education and community. It doesn’t matter if you pull V10 or VO, all ages and abilities are welcome. Plus all entries provide a donation to the Access Fund.
The competition runs from 10 AM to 4 PM. A BBQ lunch is provided and over $1500 of cash and prizes will be awarded to top finishers in all divisions. Overall you can expect over 100 climbing problems, scenic views and tons of fun.
For more information please visit AdventureSportsFestival or call (209) 753-6556
Check out the video from last year.
The competition runs from 10 AM to 4 PM. A BBQ lunch is provided and over $1500 of cash and prizes will be awarded to top finishers in all divisions. Overall you can expect over 100 climbing problems, scenic views and tons of fun.
For more information please visit AdventureSportsFestival or call (209) 753-6556
Check out the video from last year.
Labels: Bear Valley Boulder Bash, Highway 4, Sierra Nevada
¶ Wednesday, September 23, 2009 1 Comments
