Schoolhouse Rock is a large, 2 pitch granite slab that will be on your left as you descend from Sugar Bowl and ASI or on your right as you ascend from Donner Lake. There is shoulder parking below the rock, a parking lot at the bridge 1/4 mile below and the Sugar Bowl parking lot 1 mile above. You can also hike in on the PCT from Boreal Ski Resort. The rock is bomber granite that is pretty clean and takes medium gear. Many people solo it because of the walk off and low angle. To descend, walk west (left) once you reach the top and find a gully that will take you back to the base. Real shoes or sandals are recommended.
Getting There
Take hwy 80 east from the Bay Area and exit at the Sugar Bowl ski resort exit. Follow signs to the ski area but do not stop there, pass it on your right. Continue on old HWY 40 towards Donner Lake. The rock will be the first large formation on your left and there will be a short (30') cliff below it alongside the road.
Just a quick update. The parking at Donnar pass for School House Rock and Grouse Slabs as well as some others is in the area is at Sugar Bowl Academy. This used to be ASI. If you are going to park there make sure you park in the dirt part of the lot close to the old metal building. THE PAVED PART IS A PRIVATE LOT. Parking along hwy 40 is allowed and there are many good places to pull out. The school can not legally allow the public to use the restrooms so come prepared since the next bathrooms are 2 miles away (unless someone happens to be at donner ski ranch).If you are not up for walking there are a few high quality routes right behind the school. Just follow the climbing signs and try to stay off the school property.
I live at this school so if you have any questions, send me an email.
Schoolhouse Rock
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