Mount Tamalpais

Sunset at Mt Tamalpais. The climbing may not be to...

Description 

Located high above the North Bay, Mt. Tamalpais was once the site of an old hotel. While the hotel is gone, an observation tower remains on the East peak, and is surrounded by jagged volcanic rock that holds some interesting climbing.

Containing mostly easier climbs (5.3 - 5.11b), Mt. Tamalpais is a great place to teach someone how to climb, set up a top rope, or a great place for a first trad lead.

The climbing primarily faces east, and offers incredible views of the rest of the bay area. Because of it's direction, you will find most of the climbing in the shade in the afternoon. If you're going to be there a while, don't forget to head up to the observation tower for an incredible Pacific sunset.

Due to the rugged nature of the rock, it's probably best to either walk off most climbs, or to rappell from the top.

Depending on the day, you may have to pay $2 to park in the park, but then again, you might not.

Getting There 

From the 101 North of San Francisco, exit the freeway and head north on the 1 towards Stinson Beach. A short while later, hang a left on Shoreline, until a fork in the road. At the fork, head left on Panormic Highway, which will also have a sign stating the correct direction to get to Mt. Tamalpais. Stay on Panoramic until you see yet another sign on the road, telling you to got right on Pantoll road.

Head 1.4 miles up Pantoll road, and then head right on East Ridgecrest Blvd, once again following the signs to Mt. Tamalpia's East Summit. The parking lot will be at the end of the road, 2.8 miles later.

All climbing is accessed via the Plank trail, which will have a sign stating .3 miles to the observation tower.