Rainbow

Open, with restrictions: private property MORE INFO >>> Do not trespass across the private property which is west of the crag. Presently, the access policies are up in the air and failure to respect private property could inhibit future access. To avoid trespassing on private property, stay along the base of the crag. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Description 

Rainbow is a very beautiful place set on a small hill above the tiny community of Big Bend. it is west facing so its best to climb in spring or fall. Even though its right off the freeway it sees very little traffic and it holds spectacular climbing on white granite slabs. The rock is very hard and is much like some of the rock you would find in Donner Summit. The majority of routes ascend thin edges or cracks on small dome like structures. This area is not for beginners. There is one 5.9 and the rest are 5.10a-5.12c. This area is small enough were you could tick of most of the classics in one day, but is definitely worth climbing at.

Getting There 

Rainbow is located on the west side of Donner Pass, about 17 miles west of Truckee and a few miles east of Cisco Grove. To find Rainbow, exit off Interstate 80 at Big Bend and turn onto Hampshire Rock Road. Continue to a roadside parking area just east of the south Yuba River. The climbing area is the odvious group of granite cliffs facing west. The approach trail begins behind a storage garage across the street from Big Bend Ranger Station and follows a narrow trail that winds through acres of manzanita to the base of the wall. The approach should only take 10 minutes.

The Classics

Featured Route For Rainbow

Aja 5.10d  CA : Tahoe Vicinity : ... : Left Side

Aja is a pretty odvious line in the middle of the face. It is one of the best routes here and it is one of the few cracks. An OK start leads to spectacular fingers and thin hands through the right side of the roof....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA