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Lower Gorge

Submitted By: Tom Helvie on Jul 21, 2006
Administrators: Aron Quiter, Euan Cameron, Adam Winters
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Description 

One of the lesser crowded areas despite having great routes in all grades. Penstock and Warning Signs are the most popular areas in the Lower gorge. The power plant does detract from the atmosphere. All of the cliffs are located off of the power plant road.


Getting There 

Either approach from the central gully, taking a left at the bottom of the gully, or by the South gorge approach (middle power plant road)


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Lower Gorge:
Watch For Rocks   5.8     Sport, 1 pitch, 75 feet   Warning Signs
Warning: Laser Beam   5.8     Sport, 1 pitch, 75 feet   Warning Signs
Valley 5.8   5.10a     Sport, 1 pitch, 50 feet   Powerhouse Wall
Warning Signs   5.10d     Sport, 1 pitch, 90 feet   Warning Signs
D.W.P.   5.11c     Trad, Sport, 1 pitch, 90 feet   Penstock Rock
Pumping Groundwater   5.11d     Sport, 90 feet   Penstock Rock
Flashflood   5.12b     Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Penstock Rock
Browse More Classics in Lower Gorge

Featured Route For Lower Gorge
Pumping Groundwater. photo by Peter Paredes.

Pumping Groundwater 5.11d  CA : Sierra Eastside : ... : Penstock Rock
Superb cracklet and face to the right of "Flashflood"...Have heard trad complaints due to the stellar crack with bolts on the bottom...but I enjoyed clipping from the locks...Maybe easier if you are taller. 11d felt right to me....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA


Comments on Lower Gorge Add Comment
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By grizz
From: Eureka, CA
Oct 18, 2008

Does anyone know anything about the three new lines in the lower gorge that you encounter on your left, just as the road flattens? I know that they have brand new gold colored hangers, mussy anchors and are probably in the 5.7 to 5.9 range. They use up all of a 60m rope to lower. Because of the blocky nature of the top, there is a lot of rope drag to toprope.