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California · Rock Climbing
North Wawona sits in the southern end of Yosemite National Park, and while it doesn't draw the crowds that Camp 4 does, it has a legitimate bouldering scene centered around Powerline Rock.
6 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 6 spots
North Wawona sits in the southern end of Yosemite National Park, and while it doesn't draw the crowds that Camp 4 does, it has a legitimate bouldering scene centered around Powerline Rock. The six problems listed here — Blind Electrician, Rewired, Electron, High Voltage, Power Failure, and the area itself — share an electrical theme that's a nod to the local landscape rather than marketing copy. The climbing is bouldering-focused, meaning you're working short, powerful problems without ropes rather than multi-pitch routes. That makes this a reasonable destination for climbers who want to explore a quieter corner of Yosemite, though you should go in with realistic expectations: this is not a destination crag on the scale of Tuolumne or El Cap. It's a small cluster of problems worth a half-day if you're already staying in the Wawona area. The southern Yosemite elevation keeps temperatures more moderate than the Valley floor in summer, which is one practical reason to consider timing a visit here during warmer months.
All six listed routes are bouldering problems at or around Powerline Rock. There are no listed sport or trad routes in this scope, so if you're coming specifically for rope climbing, this area isn't the right fit.
North Wawona falls within Yosemite National Park boundaries, so standard park entry fees apply. Check the NPS Yosemite site for current reservation and entry requirements before you go, as timed-entry systems have been used in recent years and policies change seasonally.
Powerline Rock
Accessible California crag with varied climbing for all levels.
Rewired
A worthwhile stop near California.
Sphinx Crack
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Wawona
~2 min drive
Classic California granite climbing with crack and face routes.
High Voltage
A worthwhile stop near California.
The Feast - P1
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Oldsquaw Boulder
~2 min drive
California bouldering area with varied problems and accessible climbing.
Blind Electrician
A worthwhile stop near California.
Fatty Can't Fit
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Mount Savage
~5 min drive
Solid California climbing with varied pitches and accessible terrain.
Power Failure
A worthwhile stop near California.
Brad's Crack
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Bring a crash pad, climbing shoes, and a brush for cleaning holds. Because these are bouldering problems, you don't need a harness, rope, or protection. A spotter is worth having on unfamiliar problems.
Spring and fall are generally the most reliable seasons for friction and dry rock in this part of Yosemite. Summer works too given the southern elevation, which tends to be cooler than the Valley. Winter can bring snow and wet rock, so check conditions before making the drive.
With only six listed problems, this is realistically a half-day add-on rather than a standalone destination. It makes the most sense if you're already camping or staying near Wawona and want to get some climbing in without driving to Tuolumne or the Valley.
