Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: 384 ft
GPS: 37.66311, -89.51158
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 35,911 total · 224/month
Shared By: JBroom on Jan 19, 2011 · Updates
Admins: Aaron Mc, Dave Hug, Kevin Sierzega

Description Suggest change

The Beach is yet another collection of great sandstone boulders in southern Illinois that are fun to play on! This collection sits along side the mighty Mississippi River for a stretch of a half of a mile or so. There are currently approximately 70-80 established boulder problems with possibilities for more. The rock is pretty high quality and river polished. The landings range from perfect soft sand to medium sized, ankle breaking talus with a few pads and spotters coming in handy more often than not. The Beach can feel cooler than other areas in the summer due to the open nature of the boulders in contrast to other areas in So Ill buried in the woods seeming to trap in the humidity. This coupled with the river a stones throw away can make for somewhat comfortable summertime conditions for a session especially in the mornings and evenings. One drawback to the beach is the fact that the number of problems that are climbable can change from day to day due to changes in the water levels and the fact that the boulders can border the river. For current water levels check rivergauges.com - Mississippi River - Grand Tower, IL. Please consult "Sandstone Warrior" by Matt Bliss for a great comprehensive guidebook on The Beach and many other areas in So Ill and Elephant Rocks, MO

Getting There Suggest change

The "Parking" listed here is no longer public use. while there i ran into some logistical problems just getting parking and hiking with to many pads, but there is a hike from up top by fountain bluff road, find the power lines and use the map to the left to see where the lines intersect with the bouldering area. Its a little more of a hike but should keep both the climbers and the people working at the grain silos and the power plant happy. If the trail down is overgrown you can try you're luck down by the power plant, but be mindful of trespassing and private property signs.

60 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: The Beach Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at The Beach

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
More Classic Climbs in The Beach »

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Photos

loading