Continue with onX Maps
Sign in with Facebook
Live Oak Picnic Area Rock Climbing
| Elevation: | 4,253 ft | 1,296 m |
| GPS: |
33.9992, -116.0533 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
|
| Page Views: | 62,825 total · 248/month | |
| Shared By: | C Miller on Dec 4, 2005 | |
| Admins: | Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes, Salamanizer Ski |
Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures Details
Details
1. Vegetation is not allowed to be used as an anchor.
2. Only neutral or rock-colored bolt hangers are allowed. A permit is required to replace or add new bolts: nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/…
Seasonal Closures:
The presence of a nesting owl in very close proximity to a variety of climbing routes, "Right On," "Orange Flake," "Kid Caligula," requires closure until the nest has been abandoned to ensure the protection of the species for the duration of the nesting activities. This closure will be in effect from February 17, 2026 until June 7, 2026; or until the nest has been abandoned.
The presence of a prairie falcon nesting in very close proximity to a variety of climbing routes requires closure of "Fat Freddie’s Cat,” “Freak Brothers Dome,” “The Weenie,” “Pea Brain,” and “The Red Obelisk." This closure will be in effect from February 17, 2026 until June 7, 2026; or until the nest has been abandoned
For a complete list of climbing rules and closures visit: nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/…
Description
The Live Oak Picnic Area features a good assortment of crack and face climbs on rough, granular rock somewhat similar to nearby Jumbo Rocks, althought the best routes here are found on light grey to dark brown patina that's much friendlier on the tips.
Approaches are minimal (5-15 minutes), but most involve some scrambling over boulders and rugged terrain making this area not suitable for those with children. The Pope's Hat and The Whispering Wall are the two standout formations of the area and feature the bulk of the worthwhile routes here.
The Whispering Wall is a large south-facing formation that is sheltered to the west making this a good choice for cold and windy days. Crack and face routes up to 100' high are found here with Stemski (5.6), Jeepers Leepers (5.9 R) and Mother Board Breakdown (5.10c) being some of the better routes here.
The Pope's Hat, a landmark of the area, is a huge block sitting atop a pile of large boulders that commands an impressive view from its summit. Routes are found on almost every side of the formation and most feature quality rock. Desert Storm (5.10a/b), Nincompope (5.11d) and Pope on a Rope (5.12d) are among the best lines on the Pope's Hat formation.
Getting There
The entrance to Live Oak Picnic area is located directly across the road from the entrance to Split Rocks and marked by a sign; all of the roads in the area are unpaved.
Soon after turning into the Live Oak area make a right turn onto a dirt road which heads right (south towards Jumbo Rocks) and parallels the paved road.
Parking for The Whispering Wall, Perjury Rock and Big Bob's Big Wedge is found 0.2 miles down on the left, while The Pope's Hat and Inquisition Rock are best reached by driving the road to its end where a parking circle will be found.
Apathetic Rock, Abbey Rock and Creeper Rocks are best reached by driving straight ahead, passing the right turn used to access the other areas, to the road's end at a picnic loop.
Classic Climbing Routes at Live Oak Picnic Area
Weather Averages
|
High
|
Low
|
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
All Photos Within Live Oak Picnic Area
Most Popular · Newest · RandomMore About Live Oak Picnic Area
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
0 Comments