Now that I’ve climbed The Rostrum North Face (5.11c, 8 pitches) twice, one of the main routes still on my list is Astroman (5.11c, 10 pitches). Although it shares the same grade as the Rostrum, Astroman is known to be longer, more sustained, and burlier in every way—pitch after pitch of demanding, ultra–high-quality climbing on immaculate granite with a world-class view. Nearly every pitch would be a prize on its own if located at the base, and several would be outright mega-classics. If you don’t think this climb is great, either you’re being contrary or you need a new hobby.

Featuring every imaginable type of crack, Astroman is widely considered one of the finest routes at its grade anywhere. But it’s also tricky—the route bakes in direct sun until around 10:30 or 11 a.m., and the punishing, windless heat combined with the cruxes low on the route often lead parties to practice the first five pitches and return later for the full climb.

Those first five pitches are collectively known as Astroboy, which can be rappelled with a single 70m rope.

A couple of weeks into my fall 2025 Yosemite adventures, Astroman was still on the to-do list. I was intimidated by the route and didn’t feel quite ready to give it a full go. So, what better way to scope it out than to climb Astroboy? Brooke—who I had climbed Steck-Salathe with six days earlier—was an enthusiastic partner.

I led every pitch, and Brooke followed in fix-and-follow mode. Three parties were on the route—one ahead and one behind us, all doing Astroboy. I was especially psyched for the Enduro Corner, a pitch that felt destined to have my name on it. We topped out Astroboy with time and energy to spare. The party ahead of us had opted to skip the Harding Slot, leaving it open. Should we go for it? It seemed like too unique an experience to pass up. 

I decided to aid the strenuous, awkward 5.11c entry into the slot, then inch-wormed my way upward, slowly and with great effort, until I finally emerged from the top. Brooke, the most supportive and patient belayer I could ask for, chose to skip the slot, and we rappelled down. That slot was quite the experience—definitely memorable.

Someday, I’d love to return and climb the full Astroman.

I later learned that “Astrotween” refers to climbing Astroboy and then adding the Harding Slot.

This page includes an overlay, time stats, and pitch-by-pitch photos for Astroboy + Harding Slot.