Skull Queen - Washington Column - Yosemite Valley

Skull Queen was a great little adventure for Steve and I. It's rated about 5.9 C2+ and has a good mix of quality free climbing and good aid climbing. Our route paralled the girls' route, the South Face, but we didn't see them until the end of the day when we rappelled. Here's some pictures from our experience. Steve and I made good time and it was a pretty uneventful climb. No falls, nothing too scary - we just plain had fun and soaked in the experience!

Steve on the first pitch.

Cleaning the excellent fourth pitch, the Kor Roof.

With Half Dome in the background, Steve finishes the first day with the fifth pitch.

Cleaning and jugging one of the many fine cracks.

Cleaning the tenth pitch, beautiful, arcing crack.

We rappelled right next to the girls on the South Face. They were having fun!