Hoffmann's Thumb in Yosemite

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Matt J.

Trad climber

Castro Valley, CA

Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 10, 2014 - 06:06pm PT

Anybody done Hoffmann's Thumb in Yosemite, and how was it?

HighTraverse

Trad climber

Bay Area

Jun 10, 2014 - 06:07pm PT

Yes
The aid route back in another lifetime.
Not worth the hike

HighDesertDJ

Trad climber

Jun 10, 2014 - 06:17pm PT

I dunno man. How many people can say they even know that thing exists? I say climb it!

HighTraverse

Trad climber

Bay Area

Jun 10, 2014 - 06:24pm PT

Don't encourage him.
I don't want to lose my place in history for actually doing it!
;-)

Seriously, the route is very short.
rhyang went up there in 2009 and didn't bother.
Lot's of pics and discussion about which route is which.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=919809

Obviously my memory of ancient times was faulty. There isn't an aid route. I'd guess we did the 5.5. I remember looking at a much harder route.

mtnyoung

Trad climber

Twain Harte, California

Jun 10, 2014 - 06:37pm PT

Routine climbing on high country granite, but with an absolutely stunning view (your photo begins to capture that part). With a great hike to get there.

I've always looked back on it as a good climb.

Jay Wood

Trad climber

Land of God-less fools

Jun 10, 2014 - 07:32pm PT

That may have been my first real climb- age 15? pitons, goldline.

It's like a micro lost arrow- rap to the notch, work around to the outside with exposure.

Very fun, as I recall, and the hike to Hoffman summit is worthwhile for the views.

kaholatingtong

Trad climber

Nevada City

Jun 10, 2014 - 07:35pm PT

i wondered about this as well, cool to hear some stuff about it.

Powder

Trad climber

the Flower Box

Jun 10, 2014 - 07:38pm PT

Was supposed to have done it already, but injuries kept holding me back...

> _ <

RP3

Big Wall climber

Sonora

Jun 10, 2014 - 08:03pm PT

While I was working as a restoration ecologist for the NPS, I spent two months spread over two seasons restoring the old trail network to the summit of Hoffmann. I used to go climb the Thumb after work. So fun! Highly recommended.

FredC

Gym climber

Santa Cruz, CA

Jun 10, 2014 - 09:45pm PT

I have never climbed it but an "old" guy at Indian Rock was known to go up and 3rd class it. As late as the early 1970s. His name was Bruce Cooke.

Fuzzywuzzy

climber

suspendedhappynation

Jun 10, 2014 - 10:56pm PT

Definitely worthy

Osprey

climber

Jun 11, 2014 - 03:45am PT

The route just down from the notch on the north side is easy to moderate fifth class. Passes through a roof or a steep section via a short chimney at the top if I am remembering correctly (visible in your picture). Highly featured. Rap off to the east, although, it is down climbed a lot.

When you are done, try traversing the high points to the north. It passes the notch to the garnet gully and a rocky ridge just after it, the Vampire's Lair, then Toulumne Peak. Follow a climber's path back to the high camp.

Sierra Ledge Rat

Mountain climber

Old and Broken Down in Appalachia

Jun 11, 2014 - 03:47am PT

Gorgeoous pics in that other thread.

mouse from merced

Trad climber

The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.

Jun 11, 2014 - 04:03am PT

No comment.

julton

climber

Jun 11, 2014 - 06:20am PT

rap to the notch

rhyang

climber

SJC

Jun 11, 2014 - 08:17am PT

Here's a trip report on Hoffman's Thumb -

http://www.snwburd.com/bob/trip_reports/hoffmann_3.html

I haven't done it personally, but that doesn't mean you or anyone else shouldn't. Looks fun.