Weekend Whipper: Long Fall in Kings Canyon National Park
This fall in Kings Canyon National Park could've been a lot worse if a couple things had gone just a little differently.
Unlock this article and more benefits with 25% off.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
25% Off Outside+.
$4.99/month $3.75/month*
Get the one subscription to fuel all your adventures.
- Map your next adventure with our premium GPS apps: Gaia GPS Premium and Trailforks Pro.
- Read unlimited digital content from 15+ brands, including Outside Magazine, Triathlete, Ski, Trail Runner, and VeloNews.
- Watch 600+ hours of endurance challenges, cycling and skiing action, and travel documentaries.
- Learn from the pros with expert-led online courses.
*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
Paul De La Rosa was climbing Ascende Vous (5.10c) in Kings Canyon National Park, Calfornia when he took this zinger.
“The route is really run out between the second and third bolt, and the crux is right as you’re about to clip the third bolt—of course,” Paul told Rock and Ice.
“You can place protection in a crack just below my last position so it’s not so sketchy, but didn’t this day,” he said.
Paul’s belayer, Emily Pierce, is some 30 pounds lighter than him—a differential that he believes contributed significantly to the length of the fall.
“I’m definitely more cautious now about lead falls with that kind of [weight] differential,” he said.
He added, “Also, as we watched the footage again (the video was taken by a random tourist that was enthralled by our activity), we noticed that Emily does a quick side-step to avoid us colliding as we pass each other. So I’m thankful for her quick reflexes that kept me safe.”
Happy Friday and climb safe this weekend!