Ortega Falls is a small climbing area (only six actual routes ranging from 5.7 to 5.10c). There is abundant bouldering opportunities in the area if you follow the stream bed in either direction. The rock is water polished and can be very slick. Depending on the time of day it can be a very nice shady place and usually has a pleasant breeze to mellow out the heat (which can be pretty terrible 95+ in summer) There is a gereral store and a bar a few miles down the highway. Most people top rope but it can be led. There is an access trail to the left side of the falls that will take you to the top.
Getting There
Ortega Falls is located 1.5 miles off of Highway 74. Park in the large turnout 3 miles west of El Cariso Village. The falls will be visible from the turn out. There are several small trails heading in every direction, so make sure you take the trails furthest to the left hand side of the turnout. The approach is about 1.5 miles of very mild hiking.
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