Well, nearly off the couch climb, as I have not been hiking or climbing much. As always an adventure begins with the research of looking over your trip. My buddy and I had been planning on the Incredible Hulk for the past year. Timing was an issue. I being in my late 40's was like Goldilocks, I didn't want it Too Hot nor Too Cold. Call it the "Pussification," my age, or the lack of hardcore climbing that I used to do. Perhaps just enjoying a bit too much of the so called "Domestication." All the same, after finishing this route I think of guys older than me that basically run up the route from car to car in one day and think nothing of it (my hats off to you Mr Croft and Mr Nettle, you guys are badass).


McNamara's "High Sierra" guide book was dead on for map, route, and information. Many thanks Chris! I felt route was easy to find but carrying a pack up 3000' my legs felt it. Glad we chose to hike in the day before. We decided to climb later part of mid Sept. Weather, in Sept., can be a bit hit or miss. As we hiked in there was a party that stated they got nearly blown off of Positive Vibration and had to retreat. Guess with routes like Solar Flare, Venturi Effect, the winds are pretty consistant and can be a determining factor on ones success up the routes on the Hulk.

The Hike in was 2.5 miles from campground to the tree (easily noted from pictures) then another 2.5 miles up Little Slide Canyon (not a faint trail anymore as appears to be popular climbing area now).


Trees were still there to cross the "river" but in Mid September the river was just a small creek.

The wind was fierce when we got to the camp area. We had just brought sleeping bags, pads, and no tent. We had to find some rock shelters which was easy to do. Beautiful star filled night. It was fun watching satellites and shooting stars. When we awoke the next morning the wind was still present but had died down a bit. The temps were in the 40's without the wind chill effect. With a late Alpine start, we were at the base of the climb at 7am. Make sure to bring layers for the weather on this climb. We decided to each carry small camel backpacks and it worked just fine. As the route is West facing (on East side up Little Slide Canyon), it didn't get sun until 11:30 on the mid portion of the route. Luckily we were first on route but by the time I was on the 5.10b pitch there were two other parties at the base and moving quick.


Guess I was a bit out of shape and the cold took it toll on my hands on the upper pitches as I started to cramp a bit. My buddy took over the last 4 pitches. Granite is stellar and high quality. Gear placement was never an issue.



Rap down could be tricky. We took a copy of the Supertopo instructions just incase. From the top of the last pitch (the hole), go southeast and then down climb (5.4?) to the obviouse rap anchor with webbing.


Make sure to bring up some shoes for hike down. Loose scree/rock canyon. Unless your super fit, I recommend two days for the route, 1st day to hike in and the 2nd climb then hike out. That being said, a 3rd day would have been nice to have for the hike out. Incredible views. Bear scat all over the lower area of Little Slide Canyon so bring bear canisters. Pack out what ever you bring. We picked up some trash near where we camped. Be safe and have a blast.



Many cool other formations in the area. A great deal of potential first ascents await!