Yosemite National Park, California – Yosemite National Park is one of the world’s most significant climbing areas. Every Yosemite rock climber knows that climbers from around the world come to California for the challenges offered in the park. These range from the sustained crack climbs of the Merced River Canyon to the multi-day climbs on the big walls of the Valley.
Climbing in Yosemite has inherent risks. Over 100 climbing accidents occur in the park each year (15-25 parties require a rescue). One hazard that can lead to serious injury is falling rock or gear. Preventing gear from falling on people below is a matter of responsible climbing. However, rock falls can be a bit more unpredictable, especially for a Yosemite rock climber.
One way to mitigate rockfall dangers is trundling, the act of deliberately removing loose or unstable rocks from cliffs or climbing routes. In National Parks, these preventive safety measures are usually tasked to professionals with specialized equipment. They use airbags and pry bars to intentionally remove rocks of varying sizes and prevent accidental rockfalls. Even experienced climbers understand the need for these precautions. Hence, every true Yosemite rock climber respects such safety measures.
Occasionally, a climber will come across a dangerously loose flake and decide to trundle it on the spot. They do this to mitigate the immediate danger. This type of amateur ad hoc trundling is a controversial and potentially dangerous activity. It should not be attempted unless necessary, and the trundler can confirm that no one is below them in the danger zone. This echoes the responsibility of every Yosemite rock climber.
The following trundle was performed on the Horns of Jericho climbing route in Yosemite. The climber was concerned that the “Death Flake” posed an immediate danger to future climbing parties. He decided to release it by torquing it off the wall with his feet. For a Yosemite rock climber, ensuring the safety of others is paramount.
“Warnings were yelled, and the base was observed for any possible people below before starting to record the video. This was an obscure area with no hiking trails and only one climbing route, and one can see parties approaching long before they reach the base.”
Trundling of rock faces in National Parks is generally regulated and likely illegal without proper authorization. Specific park policies vary, but generally, physical alteration of rock faces is prohibited. This includes chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing holds, gluing of new holds, and trundling rocks. Trundling is extremely dangerous and should be left to professionals unless doing so poses an imminent danger. These regulations are important to ensure the safety of every Yosemite rock climber and other visitors.
