Scot rock is a beautiful 200’ piece of granite, set on the south flank of the San Bernardino Mountains near Lake Arrowhead, visible from the San Bernardino valley on a clear day. The rock is of high quality and divided into two faces with technical climbing. The south face runs the full 200’ featuring two bolted multi-pitch moderates, plus a 5.12a mixed route and the classic Tipton’s Arete (5.12a). The west face is about 80’ high and is home to five bolted lines, a trad route and a mixed route. Both faces have a variety of climbing from crack to face to slab; most routes reflect this diversity. All climbs end at bolted chain anchors for rappel. The best way to exit the area is to haul everything up to the anchor when doing the final climb, then load up and head back up the trail. Although not a destination crag, Scot Rock is a great place to spend a day climbing.
Getting There
Scot Rock is accessed from CA-18, the Rim of the World highway. There are two ways to reach the parking lot: Head up the CA-18 from San Bernardino (Waterman Ave. from the CA-210) toward Crestline. Continue east on CA-18 to Crest Park, about ½ mile past Rim of the World High School. Or take the CA-330 from CA-210 (CA-30) at Highland, towards Running Springs. Take CA-18 west toward Lake Arrowhead. Continue to Crest Park, about ¼ mile past the CA-173/Lake Arrowhead exit. From this parking lot, walk west through the picnic area, heading slightly right to gain the paved fire road. This is also a private drive for a few homes in the area so please be respectful. Follow the pavement as it curves downhill to the left. Head into the open lot on the left before reaching the homes. At the far side of the open space, find a trail and follow the cairns south along the ridge. The trail turns to the southwest at a hilltop and follows talus steeply down to the top of Scot Rock. Pick an anchor and rap to the base of either wall. Be aware that this requires some exposed and unprotected easy scrambling. When rapping down the south face you will need to find the lower anchors; following the line of Highlander will require three raps. Allow about 20 minutes for the hike in, somewhat longer to hike the 500’ elevation gain back to the car.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Scot Rock:
Print a Mini-Guide - Includes Routes!
RSS Feed
Slideshow
