Sequoia - Sillliman point

I met up with a visiting climber from West Virginia names Wesley Neil for some adventure climbing in Sequoia. He was visiting his girlfriend who works at the lodge and wanted to stay in the park. Since Moro Rock was too hot, this was a perfect change to finally convince (i.e. trick) someone into climbing Silliman Point.

Silliman Point

 Silliman point is a rock formation at the head of the Mt Silliman cirque. It involves about 4 miles of hiking, some serious bush whacking and ~3000' of elevation gain to reach the base of the rock. The point itself is about 800 feet tall and only has a single recorded route - West Recess (II, 5.7, FA Skip Gaynard, 1973). I met up with Neil and we headed up for a day of melllo adventure climbing. 

The route is about 7 pitches ( 5 of real climbing and 2 of scrambling) up a chimney and crack system.

Silliman Point - route takes the crack system to the right

 I led the first pitch and then gave Wesley the "awesome" chimney pitch above. The climbing was easy, a bit dirty but very well protected. It was only Neil's second multi-pitch, so was  a perfect introduction to adventure climbing.

Wesley gets ready to head up the chimney

 I took over the lead for the rest of climb, which was the most part easy, slabby cracks. A pitch of easy cracks then we pulled up a chicken head covered pitch to a narrow ridge. Fun!

gear belay

 

Wesley coming up pitch 4

Pitch 5 was very enjoyable, a 5.7 corner crack system. Fun!

Wesley belays

 

Me heading up the corner-crack system

After pitch 5 we reached the ridge to the summit. From there we put the rope away and scrambled up the last few hundred feet of 3rd class to the top

End of the technical section

 We enjoyed the summit views for a while before beginning the walk off packs our packs at the base. 

Wesley, chillin on the summit

 

Flower filled meadow on the way down

 Super fun climb! There is a lot of new route potential on the formation and nearby, but maybe I shoudl keep that beta to myself!

 Wesley was a great guy to climb with, strong and super positive. Hopefully I'll get to climb with him again someday!