BETA PHOTO: When you see this go to the cliff's edge (to your ...
Description
Possibly the best roped climbing the North End has to offer is located at Elephant Rocks.
Is it named for the large boulder at the top of the cliff or the apparent elephant's head upon whose cheek Clearasil Spattered Fantasies (10b) lies? I've never been sure, maybe both.
Elephant Rocks contains two buttresses and the amphitheater between them. Routes will be described accordingly.
Getting There
Actually fairly easy to find. Start at the North Shore parking areas and follow the East Bluff Trail uphill. Maybe a third of a mile from the trailhead you'll encounter an odd-looking sandstone boulder on you're right, just before a small cliff with a smaller cave, and an inside corner. Walk west between the Elephant Boulder and this small cliff. This will deposit you atop Elephant Rocks.
I always thought this area derived its name from an elephant-shaped boulder near the top of the wall.
Elephant rocks is a popular area for guided groups as the routes are short, not too exposed, and out of the way. There are some interesting climbs to the right (when looking at the cliff) of Elephant Rocks, one being Rainbow Crack, a surprisingly good 5.9 jam crack. Also good bouldering can be found in a radius around the cliff.
I would vote that the best roped climbing in this area can be found at Monolith Blocks, but that's just me.
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