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Elevation: 39 ft
GPS: 41.60657, -124.10478
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 123,404 total · 611/month
Shared By: Rick Shull on Sep 12, 2007
Admins: Rick Shull, Lurk Er, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes

Description Suggest change

Promontory is a large "wave" of overhanging sandstone situated in a spectacular setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are currently around 50 routes spread out between the main wall and several satellite walls. The climbing is generally excellent and ranges from overhanging pockets to vertical crimpfests.

Promontory was recently rebolted with titanium glue-ins and a number of new routes have gone in as well. Prior to the rebolting effort, the area only saw sporadic traffic for a number of years, due to rusted and suspect bolts. Although Promontory has recently received more attention from climbers, be aware that loose rock does exist.

Prime season for Promontory is typically spring through fall, when moderate temperatures prevail and precipitation is at a minimum. Winter can be good as well if it hasn't rained recently, although some routes seep. Other routes can vary from somewhat to substantially tide-dependent.

There are a number of options for camping, depending on how far you want to drive and desired amenities. The Mill Creek campground is about 10 minutes north on the 101 and offers full amenities (i.e., toilet), but is closed in the winter. 

Promontory is technically on Redwood National Park property, and non-climbers often pass through while wandering up the coastline. Keep a low profile, be courteous, and enjoy one the most aesthetic climbing spots in California!

Getting There Suggest change

Promontory is located off of Highway 101 in Del Norte County. If you are traveling from the north it is about 12 miles south of Crescent City. Coming from the south (Arcata, etc.), it is approximately 5 miles north of the town of Klamath. 

Look for the bridge crossing Wilson Creek and park in the beach access lot just south of the mouth of the creek. From the lot, walk north about 10 minutes. The rock is plainly visible from the parking area.

56 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Promontory

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 46
Tentacle
Sport
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 36
Plague of Flies
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 44
The Slow Spring
Sport
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 32
Wildwood
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 12
Lord Of The Flies
Sport
5.11c/d 7a 24 VIII 25 E4 6a
 19
Lost At Sea
Sport
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 34
Riptide
Sport
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 22
Pulling Teeth
Sport
5.12b/c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 42
Great White
Sport
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 16
Reality Check
Sport
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 5
Great White Direct
Sport
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 5
Vista Del Norte
Sport
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c
 9
Redwood Burl
Sport
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c
 4
Full Mast
Sport
5.14c 8c+ 34 XI- 35 E9 7b
 4
Blackbeard's Tears
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Tentacle Puff Boulder
 46
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport
Plague of Flies Exploding Energy Boulder
 36
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport
The Slow Spring Puff Boulder
 44
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Wildwood Puff Boulder
 32
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport
Lord Of The Flies Exploding Energy Boulder
 12
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
Lost At Sea Main Wall
 19
5.11c/d 7a 24 VIII 25 E4 6a Sport
Riptide Abyss Boulder
 34
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport
Pulling Teeth Main Wall
 22
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport
Great White Main Wall
 42
5.12b/c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
Reality Check Exploding Energy Boulder
 16
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
Great White Direct Main Wall
 5
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
Vista Del Norte Main Wall
 5
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Sport
Redwood Burl Main Wall
 9
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c Sport
Full Mast Main Wall
 4
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c Sport
Blackbeard's Tears Main Wall
 4
5.14c 8c+ 34 XI- 35 E9 7b Trad
More Classic Climbs in Promontory »

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