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Leaning Tower, The 
mt tam boulders 
Northern Formation, The 
Oberman's Rock 
Southern Formation, The 

Mount Tamalpais 


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Lat, Long: 37.9291, -122.578 Map
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Administrators: Aron Quiter, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden, Tom Erickson
Submitted By: Aron Quiter on Oct 5, 2002

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Sunset at Mt Tamalpais. The climbing may not be to...

Description 

Located high above the North Bay, Mt. Tamalpais was once the site of an old hotel. While the hotel is gone, an observation tower remains on the East peak, and is surrounded by jagged volcanic rock that holds some interesting climbing.

Containing mostly easier climbs (5.3 - 5.11b), Mt. Tamalpais is a great place to teach someone how to climb, set up a top rope, or a great place for a first trad lead.

The climbing primarily faces east, and offers incredible views of the rest of the bay area. Because of it's direction, you will find most of the climbing in the shade in the afternoon. If you're going to be there a while, don't forget to head up to the observation tower for an incredible Pacific sunset.

Due to the rugged nature of the rock, it's probably best to either walk off most climbs, or to rappell from the top.

Depending on the day, you may have to pay $8 to park in the park, but then again, you might not.


Getting There 

From the 101 North of San Francisco, exit the freeway and head north on the 1 towards Stinson Beach. A short while later, hang a left on Shoreline, until a fork in the road. At the fork, head left on Panormic Highway, which will also have a sign stating the correct direction to get to Mt. Tamalpais. Stay on Panoramic until you see yet another sign on the road, telling you to got right on Pantoll road.

Head 1.4 miles up Pantoll road, and then head right on East Ridgecrest Blvd, once again following the signs to Mt. Tamalpia's East Summit. The parking lot will be at the end of the road, 2.8 miles later.

All climbing is accessed via the Plank trail, which will have a sign stating .3 miles to the observation tower.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Mount Tamalpais:
Up to the Giant Eastern Flake   5.4     Trad, TR, 1 pitch, 50 feet   Northern Formation, The
Southern Face   5.5     Trad, TR, 1 pitch, 30 feet   Leaning Tower, The
Southeastern Arete   5.9 R     Trad, TR, 1 pitch, 30 feet   Leaning Tower, The
Eastern Face   5.10b     TR, 1 pitch, 30 feet   Leaning Tower, The
Oberman's Crack   5.11b     Trad, TR, 1 pitch, 20 feet   Oberman's Rock
Browse More Classics in Mount Tamalpais

Featured Route For Mount Tamalpais
Marisa Fienup, of Ventura, California, climbs the south face of Leaning Tower.  Staying right on thin edges yields a line closer to 5.8 **.

Southern Face 5.5  CA : SF Bay Area : ... : Leaning Tower, The
Climb the featured face of the south side of the Leaning Tower using all the holds you can imagine. This is a great route for beginners, as there are a few spots where finding good grips is tricky. You can also climb it one handed if 5.5 is a little easy for you....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA


Photos of Mount Tamalpais Slideshow Add Photo
You can't beat the views of the Bay.  Marisa Fienup climbs at Mt. Tam.

You can't beat the views of the Bay. Marisa Fienu...

PanToll Sunset

PanToll Sunset


Comments on Mount Tamalpais Add Comment
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By aliebling
Jun 1, 2010

Parking is now $8. The description should be updated to reflect this. Still fun climbing with a fantastic view.

By NorCalNomad
From: San Francisco
Dec 29, 2011

Stuck me a #8 BD nut in the The Leaning Tower. If anyone grabs it it'd be great to get it back (I'd pay for shipping). Thanks :D