07 Jun 26 - Trip Report: Stately Pleasure Dome, South Crack | Tuolumne Meadows (Yosemite NP)

Tuolumne Meadows has no shortage of classic climbs, but South Crack (5.8) on Stately Pleasure Dome continues to earn its reputation as one of the area's must-do moderate multipitch routes. Last weekend, staff member and guide Colin got out with fellow guide, Tyler Logan, for their first day in Tuolumne this year and made the trip over Tioga Pass to climb it. They were rewarded with nearly perfect conditions from start to finish.

Trip Report: 

Current As Of: 07 June 2026*

Activity During Report: hiking, 5th class rock climbing.

Trip: 

Despite being a weekend, crowds were surprisingly light, making for a relaxed day on one of Tuolumne's most popular domes. Better yet, the logistics are hard to beat. Roadside parking along Tioga Road literally next to Tenaya Lake and a casual five-minute approach had us roped up and climbing almost immediately, leaving more time to enjoy the route itself.

We started up the initial pitches moving through classic granite terrain - beautiful finger and hand cracks that protect well and offer consistently enjoyable climbing. It’s the kind of granite that makes you stop thinking about gear after a while and just settle into the movement. As we climbed higher, the character of the route began to shift.

Pitches three and four brought us onto infamous Tuolumne slabs, where things got a little more heady. The climbing itself is never too stiff, but it certainly has your full attention as the protection definitely spaces out and you are forced to trust your feet while staying composed. It’s that classic Sierra balance of moderate difficulty and very real consequences if you lose focus.

Above the slabs, the final two pitches mellowed out again into more cruiser terrain. There are still moments where the gear is a bit sparse, but overall it feels like a welcome easing of intensity as you climb toward the top of the dome. All the while, the views of Tenaya Lake and the surrounding high country kept getting better and better, which makes it pretty hard to rush anything up there.

The descent kept us engaged for a bit longer. It’s not technically difficult, but it does require attention in a few sections where route-finding and downclimbing come into play. A fair amount of careful butt-scooching made things feel much more straightforward than they initially look from above, and eventually we worked our way back down to the road.

The best part? You pop out right back on Tioga Road just a couple minutes from the car. It’s hard to beat that kind of efficiency after a full multipitch day in Tuolumne.

South Crack delivered exactly what we were hoping for - great climbing, incredible views, and surprisingly light crowds for a weekend. It’s a reminder of why this route stays on people’s lists year after year and it was lovely re-introduction to Tuolumne for the year!

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The 3rd Class Approach Slabs

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Colin starting up Pitch 1 and then nearing the belay station up on the pitch with some careful footwork involved

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Tyler finishing up the splendid fingers of Pitch 1

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Colin following Pitch 2

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Colin just below the start of the runout slab portion of Pitch 3

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Colin romping up Pitch 6 to the finish of the route

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The Descent Slabs (with butt-scooching!)

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