description West Face of Leaning Tower Overview
The West Face of Leaning Tower is a notable big wall aid climbing route in Yosemite National Park, California, first ascended in 1957 by Warren Harding, Bill Feuerer, and Royal Robbins. The route follows a distinct line up the striking overhanging granite formation known as Leaning Tower, located near the Wawona Tunnel, and features approximately 12 pitches of climbing with ratings of 5.7 A3 or C3 in the Yosemite Decimal System. The route is characterized by its severely overhanging nature, which keeps climbers dry during light rain, and represents an important historical testpiece in Yosemite big wall climbing that remains popular with climbers transitioning to more advanced aid climbing.
insights Ranking position
West Face of Leaning Tower ranks #265 of 351 in the Climbing Route ranking, behind Eagle-4, ahead of Mittellegi Ridge.
help West Face of Leaning Tower FAQ
Why does the West Face of Leaning Tower feel so exposed immediately?
Leaning Tower overhangs dramatically, and the standard approach reaches the route by fixed lines before the first climbing pitch. Once on the wall, much of the lower route hangs above open space rather than a slab beneath the climber.
Is the West Face primarily a free climb or an aid climb?
Most parties climb the classic line as an aid route, commonly described around 5.7 C2. The free version is far harder, with difficulties reaching approximately 5.13.
How long is the West Face of Leaning Tower?
Modern descriptions commonly divide the route into about 11 pitches over roughly 1,000 feet of climbing. Its compact length makes it a popular first Yosemite Grade V aid wall, but hauling and exposure still require big-wall skills.
Who made the first ascent of the West Face?
The route is associated with Warren Harding and his Yosemite big-wall era, with the first ascent completed by Harding, Glen Denny and George Whitmore in 1961. This is later than 1957, a year sometimes incorrectly attached to the route.
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