Selaginella, Five Open Books 5.8

Yosemite Valley, California USA

Currently 3.0/5

Avg time to climb route: 2-3 hours

Approach time: 1.5-2 hours

Descent time: 45 min to 1 hour

Number of pitches: 4

Height of route: 550'

Overview

With features ranging from lieback cracks and steep faces to off-widths and chimneys, Selaginella requires a full arsenal of climbing techniques. Prepare for committing and sustained 5.7 and 5.8 cracks all the way to the route's great final crux. Because of the sustained wide cracks and tricky route finding, this route is recommended for the more experienced 5.8-5.9 leader. This route allows you to escape the crowds.

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Climber Beta on Selaginella

A total of (40) submissions of route beta on Selaginella

Which SuperTopo guidebooks include a topo for Selaginella?

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Five Open Books History

Climbers have always appreciated short approaches, so it’s not surprising that the area around Lower Yosemite Fall attracted attention in the 1960s. Only minutes from Camp 4 lay a wealth of possible routes on the various tiers of cliffs. One trouble: these cliffs were not exactly composed of pristine granite. Trees, bushes, munge, loose dark rock—you name it, these cliffs had it. In a valley renowned for its sparkling white granite, this place was an aberration. But let’s not forget that approach! - Steve Roper

FA: Wally Reed and Jim Posten, 9/63.

Strategy

From lieback cracks and steep faces to offwidths... [full history for SuperTopo members only!]

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Approach

Descent

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