On the way towards Castle Rock looking North towar...
Description
An amazing crag, with superb quality granite located on top of a rather steep hill with jaw dropping views of the mountains and Big Bear Lake. It is a rather secluded area although during the summer due to its high elevation and relatively shady setting the area can attract quite a few climbers. Due to its high elevation it can get a bit breezy and chilly in the later afternoons.
Getting There
This area can be a little tricky to find as it is marked by a rather small trail sign and the parking area is down the road a bit from the trail. But it is off HWY 18 about 2 miles from the dam. If you are coming from Running springs at the dam you would turn right across the dam and drive for about 2 miles the trail is on your right. The parking area is about 200 feet further on HWY 18 on your Left. The trail is a surprisingly steep lung buster, the trail is in good condition though and as you get higher the views get even more amazing. Near the top the trail can get a little hard to find but just follow the footprints in a generally south east direction and you will see the crag. The trail is about a mile, and up until April or even May you can be walking through snow to get to Castle Rock, so dress accordingly.
The trail from the highway to Castle Rock starts at:
N 34 deg 14' 12.1" / W 116 deg 57' 42.2" / Elev 6,845
Castle Rock South Face is at:
N 34 deg 13' 51.3" / W 116 deg 57' 41.9" / Elev 7,330
There is also a small east facing slab about 100 yards northwest of Castle Rock that is an ok place with a couple easier cracks. There is a short seam/lieback there 5.9ish with a hangerless old bolt.