Hercules Finger

Hercules Finger. Photo by Blitzo.

Description 

North of Lucerne Valley, and somewhat hidden in the middle of nowhere, is this uniquely shaped 70' free-standing formation with half a dozen routes ranging from 5.7-5.12 on quality high desert granite. More rock exists nearby but most of it's of dubious quality.

There is a fair bit of driving on dirt roads to get there but even so a 2wd vehicle (with clearance) should have no trouble making the drive as long as you're careful.

Getting There 

East of the town of Lucerne Valley turn right onto Camp Rock Rd. and follow it for 6.2 miles where it will turn to dirt (the formation will now be visible off to your left on a distant hillside). Continue on Camp Rock Rd. for another 3.7 miles and make a left onto marked road OM30 near some off-road kiosks (the formation is now hidden behind some low hills).

Follow OM30 for 2.0 miles to an intersection at some power lines with marked road OM10. Drive road OM10, following the power lines, as it goes up a hill and along a ridge where the formation will come back into view. After 2.2 miles make a right onto a dirt road past an obvious balanced boulder (rocky and off-camber road not suitable for long vehicles) or continue for another 0.2 miles to another road near a power line tower (bumpy but a much better road). It's another 0.5 miles slightly uphill to a parking area just below the base of the formation.

The Classics