Astroman | E5/6c+ Multi-pitch on Washington Column

United States / California / Mariposa County

9 pitches. Also known as East Face of Washington Column. Topos: PlanetMountain, SuperTopo.

5.11c

First climbed in 1959 by Warren Harding, Glen Denny and Chuck Pratt as the East Face of Washington Column. Although this ascent was mainly aided, the Harding Slot - free climbed at a notional 5.9 - is still a considerable challenge for many despite its relatively low grade.

References

[1] https://www.mountainproject.com/route/105845493/astroman

Contributors
duncancritchley
25 contributions since 9th October 2025.
TdG
22 contributions since 10th September 2025.
remus
17 contributions since 19th May 2021.

Pics + Vids

No pics or vids yet.


Ascents

9 successful ascents recorded.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
John Bachar Lead | worked May 1975
First ascent. With John Long and Ron Kauk.
First ascent. With John Long and John Bachar.

[The enduro corner] is one of the most memorable leads of my life.

John Long Lead | worked May 1975
First ascent. With Ron Kauk and John Bachar.
With Werner Braun.

First continuous ascent with one climber leading all pitches.

References

[1] https://alpinist.com/features/fifty-years-in-yosemite-the-soft-spoken-legacy-of-werner-braun-mr-astroman/

With Ron Fawcett.

Only The Best Route In The World

Ron Fawcett Alternate Leads | worked 1977
With Pete Livesey.

An incredible solo ascent for it's time.

The same year Peter also soloed Astroman and The Rostrum in the same day.

The same day Alex soloed The North Face on The Rostrum, emulating Peter Croft's effort in 1987.