Checkerboard Area

BETA PHOTO: Checkerboard Area, with the Checkerboard Boulder o...

Description 

A handful of boulders scattered on the slope opposite the Buttermilks Main Area, across the road to the south. Home to the infamous 'Checkerboard', widely agreed to be one of the best in the Buttermilks.

Getting There 

Drive up Buttermilk Road as per usual. When you arrive at the fence / cattle guard just before the right turn to the main parking area, take a left and follow the road parallel to the fence. This road is quite rocky, so take care if you do not have a capable vehicle (i.e. a honda civic will make it, but barely.) A better option might be to park at the head of this turnoff - you will only have to walk a minute or two more. Park at or walk to the oval at the end of the road, hike down the slope and cross the creek, heading uphill on the path towards the cluster of boulders. The 'Checkerboard Boulder' is the large boulder with the slightly overhanging right (northwest) face.

The Classics

Featured Route For Checkerboard Area

Checkerboard V7-8  CA : Sierra Eastside : ... : Checkerboard Area

Start at a prominant incut flake (not the jug rail just to the right) a bit left of center on the tall, slightly overhanging NW face of the 'Checkerboard Boulder'. Climb up and right to an exciting last move high off the deck. An excellent problem!...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA