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Skyline Slabs Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Skyline Slabs

	Old Bolt Ladder S 5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
	Skyline Slab Center T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R

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Elevation:	2,244 ft
GPS:	37.29093, -122.16816 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	8,592 total · 34/month
Shared By:	Sean Welch on Aug 7, 2002 · Updates
Admins:	Aron Quiter, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

Description

The Area:Skyline Slabs is basically a collection of secluded sandstone slabs just to the north of the Aquarian Valley, in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve.

The area is somewhat difficult to find, and may not even be worth the hassle, depending on what you are looking for. Also, while the formations are on public land, there are private homes (and private property) nearby. Be sure and respect the private property on the ridge directly to the east of the slabs.

The area is predominantly sport climbing, although many of the routes can be easily top-roped from existing bolts. There is also a huge tree atop the main slab that makes a useful natural anchor, or back-up.

One major problem is that the bottom portions of almost every route are pretty well covered in moss. It's a little "slimeball surprise" in some spots. Due to the large number of bolts, it appears this area was heavily used for some time, and has since been forgotten.

All routes are moderate (5.8+ - 5.10) and start out as low angle face climbs. The moss makes some of the routes harder than they would be free of slime. The routes in the center have fun and interesting finishes, over a well-featured, left-facing ledge.

In addition, there is an old bolt ladder right up the middle of the slab, but I didn't spend any time checking it out. If you decide to use it, be very careful. There is no telling what shape it's in.

Also, beware of old, sketchy bolts. Use common sense!

Getting There

This spot is not easy to find. Unless you are familiar with the area, be prepared to scout about.

Long Ridge Open Space Preserve is about 2 1/2 miles south of Page Mill Road, on Skyline Blvd. (U.S. 35). Coming from Page Mill, park on the Left side of the highway in the parking area for Upper Stevens Canyon County Park. Enter Long Ridge accross the street from the parking lot, and take the Dirt Road (NOT the trail!) to the RIGHT. Follow the dirt road, tracing Skyline Blvd., until you cross the first Paved Road (Portola Heights Rd. - PRIVATE). Walk on the side of Portola Heights Road for about 30 feet, until you see a small trail off to the RIGHT. Take the small trail down the hill, until you empty out into a small, flat, grassy area. From the grassy area, take the trail DOWN into the forest. As you enter this trail, you will see a "Climbing Regulations" sign. Stay on this trail until you see a SECOND "Climbing Regulations" sign. About twenty feet after the SECOND sign, take a RIGHT at the first unmarked, really small, steep trail. (If you get to Aquarian Falls, you passed the trail.) Follow the small "trail" up a really steep grassy hill. At the top, you will see a house. Stay well clear of the private property. Just below the fence behind the house you will find Skyline Slabs. To get to the bolted climbs, just scramble down and to the right of the first slabs. Watch your step! It's pretty steep in parts.