After Six

After Six is a six-pitch 5.7 Yosemite classic that has long been a favorite among the less time-committing group of free climbs in Yosemite Valley. Located on the western end of Manure Pile Buttress, the climb is popular with those looking for one of the easier Yosemite routes (it's a good introduction to Yosemite 5.7 multi-pitch traditional climbing) or for a climb that takes less than a full day's commitment. The route ascends 600 feet up the granite slabs of Manure Pile Buttress in a series of low angle cracks and face sections. Large belay ledges are frequent throughout and offer plenty of spots to break for a snack and enjoy the spectacular Yosemite Valley view. Below is a brief description of the climbs six pitches:

• First Pitch: A lengthy 5.7 crack/corner where the crux of the climb is encountered approximately 30 feet off the ground. The crux sustains its difficulty throughout the middle section of the pitch.
• Second Pitch: A third class scramble up to a belay notch below a larger crack.
• Third Pitch: A 5.5 climb up the wide crack slightly heading right to another belay ledge.
• Fourth Pitch: A 5.4 climb/scramble over a series of ledges to a large belay ledge.
• Fifth Pitch: A beautiful, exposed 5.6 pitch with clean, nice rock and crack climbing lower on the pitch that transitions into face climbing on the upper section of the pitch.
• Sixth Pitch: A 5.6 face that climbs to the top of Manure Pile Buttress.

The descent trail is accessed by a couple of minimal-exposure scrambling moves off the back (back and to the left) side of the buttress. 

Since After Six is close to the road, has excellent belay benches/trees/anchor options, and has a quick hiking descent to the car down the adjacent gully, the climb can be done within a few hours or a half day.

For a full technical description of the climbing route, we recommend using SuperTopo’s Yosemite Valley Free Climbs.

Thanks to climbers Raph Dunn and Nathan Ptacek.