Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park - Rock Climbing (U.S. National Park Service)

"An alpine El Capitan" is what the climber Galen Rowell called The Angel Wings, an 1,800-foot granite wall at the entrance to the Valhalla Cirque in Sequoia National Park. The sheer south face is the largest rock wall in the park and boasts a number of dramatic climbs.

Outstanding climbing
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are a great place to climb. The rock here is similar to Yosemite in quality. One can enjoy an endless variety of climbs from easy to extremely challenging—without the crowds and pressure of more famous climbing areas. Outstanding routes include the Obelisk, Grand Sentinel, and Chimney Rock. Most climbs require at least a day's hike in.

Protected wilderness
Remember that the rock here is an integral part of a larger ecosystem. Like the rest of the parks, it is protected as wilderness for people to enjoy in a natural state that preserves it intact for future generations of climbers. This means no motors (for example, motorized drills). Respect closures. On your approach, stick to trails. Climb clean.

Kings Canyon climbs
A good place to look for climbs is along Bubbs Creek. On the north side of the Bubbs Creek Trail, just before it crosses Charlotte Creek, are Charlito Dome and Charlotte Dome. The hike in is about 8 miles, but the multi-pitch possibilities are worth the haul.

Sequoia climbs
The easiest site to access in Sequoia is Moro Rock, just off the Generals Highway near Giant Forest. The west face offers 1,000 vertical feet of cracks and knobs. For a more remote climb, hike the High Sierra Trail to Angel Wings. At roughly 2,000 feet, this is one of the park's biggest walls. It's an 18-mile hike from Crescent Meadow. Other Sequoia highlights: Little Baldy and the quartzite Hospital Rock, both off the Generals Highway.

What you can do

Climb safely! Rescues endanger rescuers' lives, are expensive, and cause a lot of impact.
Know park rules and the principles of Leave No Trace. Stick to trails. Climb clean. Respect the wilderness character of the parks.
If you see climbers who are not following these principles, talk to them. Explain how they can minimize their impact and why it is important that they do so.
Clean up after others. Leave the rock better than you found it.
Respect closures. For example, Moro Rock and Chimney Rock are closed during peregrine falcon nesting season.