Washington Column/The Prow

Grade V 5.6 A2 or C2+
First ascent:  Royal Robbins & Glen Denny

This route requires a wide variety of skills and techniques.  Be prepared to use hooks, cam hooks, & beaks, and to utilize existing pitons and heads.

ASCENT

Many parties fix ropes to  the top of pitch 3  on the first day, and return to  climb pitches  4-7 (Sloan) aka pitches 4-8 (McNamara) on day 2, spend the night on a portaledge at the top of pitch 7 (Sloan) aka pitch 8 (McNamara), and complete remaining pitches on pitch 3.   Some parties also use a portaledge at the top of pitch 3, and thus spend two nights on the wall.

Descent

option 1

Stop at the top of pitch 10 (Sloan) aka pitch 11 (McNamara) and rappel the climbing route.

option 2

Complete pitch 11 (Sloan) aka pitch 12 (McNamara) and descend the North Dome Gully.

References:

• Reference:  Yosemite Big Walls:  The Complete Guide,  2nd edition, Erik Sloan (YosemiteBigWall.com 2020) 
• Reference:  Yosemite Big Walls:  The Ultimate Guide,  1st edition, Erik Sloan (YosemiteBigWall.com 2021) 
• Reference: Yosemite Big Walls, 3rd edition, Chris McNamara and Chris Van Leuven (Supertopo 2012)
• Reference (for Option 2 descent): Yosemite Valley Free Climbs by Barnes, McNamara, Roper and Snyder (Supertopo 2003

• Suitable Activities: Climbing
• Climbing Category: Aid Climb
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Aid Climb
• Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft

• Land Manager: Yosemite National Park
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
• Recommended Party Size: 3
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12