Generally the sport routes at Dierkes are "way" steep and require powerful upper body muscles combined with good efficient foot work. The ominous hulking overhangs of the Alcove area rarely yeild onsight ascents of the harder lines. Most of the sport routes at Dierkes fall into the 5.11 and above range with a few moderates mixed in. If there is a common denominator for the climbing here it is that most of the routes are "steep" and offer positive edges and holds. This combination makes for powerful climbing on routes with pleenty of "air" or exposure. (Basalt Climbs by Mark Weber) (Most of the route discriptions come from the book)(This is only a small amount of climbing in this area for more info buy the book) Basalt Climbs of South-Central Idaho, 2nd edition by Mark Weber.
Getting There
from I-84 head south on highway 93 till you come to Falls Ave. aprox 4 miles. turn left and head east and follow the signs to Shoshone falls aprox 5 miles.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Dierkes Lake, Twin Falls, Idaho:
The family and I went bouldering and swimming here yesterday, Great climbing and a lake for cliff jumping to boot! Really a nice place! Thanks for the effort. It would have been helpful if the climbs would have been broken up by cliff area.
Dierke's is my local area and I love it! I've had a new guide to the area ready to print but haven't spent the time/money to print yet. Several other Idaho areas (ice caves, the channel, sun valley crags, the Fins, etc.)are included that have seen little press but are very worthy destinations.
Dierkes is a great little climbing area with excellent bouldering and about 70 (mostly sport) routes on vert to wildly overhanging rock. Dierkes is in the Snake River canyon, and owes it's unusual topography to the ice-age Bonneville flood, which carved numerous kettle ponds, crags, rimrock and boulders.Take a hike past the picnic /swimming area to check out hidden lake, Acid Lake, etc. etc.
If you are driving thru Idaho on I-84, take a short detour and check it out. You will dig it!
The "Idaho Underground" guide is in the works and due out spring 2012. Areas included are Twin Falls/Dierkes, Shoshone Lava Tubes, The Fins, Box Canyon and the local Sun Valley Crags.
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