Pleasant cross country on the way to Balloon Dome.
Balloon Dome. The Class 3 route goes up the left skyline.
Initial slab leading to the ledge.
Ledge leading to the start of the route.
Scrambling up the initial slab.
View from the end of the ledge.
View south toward Peak 4684 and the confluence of the Middle and South Fork San Joaquin River.
Starting up the south ridge.
Large ramp leading up the dome.
Good friction slab.
Steeper section.
Starting up the steeper section.
Boulder blocking the obvious line. Friction climbing on the right or a squeeze on the left.
Approaching the boulder.
At the boulder.
Squeezing through the crux section.
Tunnel leading to easier slopes above.
Granite Creek flowing into the Middle Fork San Joaquin River.
View north toward the Ritter Range and Minarets.
Descending Balloon Dome.
Balloon Dome from nearby dome that we nicknamed “Bubble Dome”. It appeared like there was an old helicopter landing area near the summit.
Following the trail toward Cassidy Crossing.
Cassidy Bridge
Middle Fork San Joaquin River flowing swiftly.
Cassidy Bridge from below. We stopped for a quick swim before starting the climb out of the canyon.
Sign reads: “Constructed 1957. Structural steel was transported by helicopter. Cables were packed by mule train from Bear Meadow to canyon edge then slid down trail to bridge site.”
Black widow with a recently caught bumble bee. This is the first black widow I have seen in the wild.