BETA PHOTO: The Onyx Summit Crag as seen from the parking area...
Description
Highway 38, the "back road to Big Bear", tops out at Onyx Summit (elevation 8443'), which is the highest State Highway summit in Southern California. Just northwest of the actual summit and visible from the road is a small but enticing chunk of high-quality granite with a handful of routes.
Eight known routes are found here with six being on the main pillar, easily identified by it's two striking aretes, and the other two on the more non-descript face to the right. Routes range from 5.8-5.12 in difficulty with most being bolted sport routes, although one quality crack route does exist.
Despite it's somewhat lofty elevation the south-facing nature of the crag ensures cragging all year depending upon snow conditions, but Spring and Fall have the best and most consistent weather.
Getting There
The Onyx Summit Crag is found on the west side of Highway 38 about 0.25 miles north of the actual summit and almost directly across the highway from a large dirt pullout.
The approach trail starts directly across Hwy 38 from the pullout and leads through the trees to the base of the crag. Allow 5-10 minutes for the short but surprisingly strenuous approach.
Onyx Summit Crag
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