Castle Rock

Anthony Vanleeuwen enjoys stellar granite at Castl...

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 Classics

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On the way towards Castle Rock looking North towar...	Looking North alongside Castle Rock with Big Bear ...	The summit!! It is flat and big up there.
The view from the top looking towards Boulder Bay	Ahh yes the reward for the slog up the hill!	BETA PHOTO: Look out for this sign, hard to see when you are h...
BETA PHOTO: There was a quite a bit snow up here as of March 1...	The climber at the bottom gives perspective to the...