Benton Crags as seen from the turnoff onto the dir...
Description
Trad climbing on grainy granitic rock somewhat reminiscent of Joshua Tree. Mostly west facing easy and moderate routes. Remote with beautiful views of the high Sierra. Primitive camping with no water.
Getting There
Five and a half miles south of the Mammoth Lakes turnoff on Route 395, turn east on the Benton Crossing Road. Drive about 20 miles, then turn sharply right onto Road 3S50. Watch for a fainter road on the left, turn on this and follow it up to near the base of the crags which are clearly visible.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Benton Crags:
Although the "look" of these crags is reminiscient of J Tree, I found the style of climbing and rock quality reminded me far more of Mount Lemmon crags.
I climbed on Locals Only Rock and thought a lot of the ratings were quite soft; I would downgrade almost all of the routes by a number. However, I then lead one of the 5.9s and felt it was actually fairly solid for the grade, but the crux for me was a small roof--and roofs are not my thing--so maybe it all just depends.
Wonderful and solitary primitive camping here right by the crag; good stuff!
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