Sierra Trip Reports

Date: Sunday, July 15, 2012

Location: Lover’s Leap

Climbers: Andrew & Nick

Photos: Andrew & Nick (as noted)

Synopsis: Andrew and I headed up to Lover’s Leap in the South Lake Tahoe area to climb East Wall (5.7) and Haystack (5.8) (both on the actual East Wall face). We were able to get on the route East Wall in the morning, and afterwards we headed to Bear’s Reach (as Haystack had some other groups on it). I had been wanting to climb East Wall for a while, as it is a wandering route with an exposed second pitch that travels almost horizontally across the face of the East Wall. Andrew had never climbed Bear’s Reach – so seeing it was open, we decided to jump on it.

Taken from the first belay ledge on East Wall, climbers in the distance working up The Line (which I had climbed with Jon last summer). Photo: Nick

Andrew following up the first pitch of East Wall in the early morning light. Photo: Nick

The second pitch of East Wall travels virtually horizontal to link up with the second belay ledge of Bear’s Reach (called Once a Bushy Ledge). There are several variations and all are easy with good exposure. Here I am looking back at Andrew off in the distance of the traverse. Photo: Nick

Andrew following up to the second belay on East Wall. Photos: Nick

It was warming up quickly, although a great day for climbing. I am grabbing some water, getting ready to top out on the third pitch (which is the third pitch for Bear’s Reach as well as a couple of other climbs that all link up. Photo: Andrew

After topping out, with the Main Wall off in the distance. Photo: Andrew

The East Wall, taken from the base on our way back up to climb a second route. Photo: Andrew

As mentioned above, our original goal was to climb Haystack (5.8), but when arriving at the base there was another party starting. Seeing that Bear’s Reach was empty, we walked over a started up. I have climbed Bear’s Reach a number of times, but it is a fun route and Andrew had not yet climbed it. Here I am leading up the first pitch. Photo: Andrew

Looking down from the first belay ledge. Photo: Nick

Looking down from somewhere on the second pitch while leading up. You can see Andrew off in the distance at the first belay ledge. Photo: Nick

Andrew coming up to the second belay ledge (the same as in the morning where East Wall intersects. Photo: Nick

Andrew lead the last pitch to the top – yet another great day of climbing at the Leap. Looking back at where Haystack and Bear’s Reach work up (with a party high up on the East Wall). Photo: Andrew