This time last year OWA guide Sean McNally and now YOSAR member Josie McKee were down in Baja getting a first ascent on the South face of the infamous El Grand Trono Blanco! The route started with two pitches of terrifyingly loose exfoliating rock. As the route goes up, the rock quality improves and the cracks get wider.
Looking East at the South Face of the Trono
After pitches of off-widthing and tenuous face climbing, Sean found himself truly hoping that the route would go–not because of the prospect of getting an FA, just because he wanted off that piece of rock as quick as possible. About 300 ft from the top, Sean found himself with the sharp end of the rope, and staring up at a gorgeous hand and finger crack in a 200 ft. dihedral.
OWA Guide Sean McNally leads the crux dihedral
After some truly stellar climbing, the two summited just before dark and made it back to camp to chug gatorade and marvel at their adventure and the quality of the final pitches on the route.
The route went at 5.10 about 1000 ft and the two agreed on the name “Youthful, Romantic Idealism”
Looking at the 1700+ ft East Face of the Trono. The edge of the south face can be seen to the left in the sun