Connect with Facebook
The Emeralds Rock Climbing
| Elevation: | 4,500 ft |
| GPS: | 39.319, -120.657 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
| Page Views: | 204,023 total · 1,055/month |
| Shared By: | Aron Quiter on Oct 7, 2002 |
| Admins: | Aron Quiter, Kyle Bishop, Lurker, M. Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer suchoski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes |
Access Issue: No overnight camping on PG&E property
Details
Noticed several tents while walking into the emeralds climbing area this last weekend ( 5/20/17 ). PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) has posted several signs at the gate and other areas that state camping is NOT allowed. Please respect this so that access does not become an issue! Thanks in advance, Colby W.
Description
If you are looking for an area where you can climb without crowds and be in a beautiful mountain setting, this is the place. There is even a huge world class swimming hole that is emerald green (expect beautiful people here with little on in the hot days of summer). Most of the climbs in the Benches section are westerly to northerly facing so you can chase shade all day in the hotter months. When the temperature is 110F in Sacramento, head for the gorge where you will need a sweater.
The Emeralds are on a mix of PG&E (Pacfic Gas and Electric) and Tahoe National Forest land. The exact boundaries aren't easy to see on the ground. Dispersed or primitive camping is permitted in many areas of the national forests, but since specifics change frequently, contact Tahoe NF for more information before setting up camp, and as always, make an effort to leave no trace. Established campgrounds are also available in the national forest along Bowman Lake Road, and just upstream at PG&E's Lake Spaulding campground.
The Emeralds are on a mix of PG&E (Pacfic Gas and Electric) and Tahoe National Forest land. The exact boundaries aren't easy to see on the ground. Dispersed or primitive camping is permitted in many areas of the national forests, but since specifics change frequently, contact Tahoe NF for more information before setting up camp, and as always, make an effort to leave no trace. Established campgrounds are also available in the national forest along Bowman Lake Road, and just upstream at PG&E's Lake Spaulding campground.
Getting There
This page's location shows the usual parking area. Here are driving directions there:
For an overview map of walking directions to the climbing areas, with GPS coordinates, see the Emeralds Guide page 1 thru 6 below in the Photos.
- From I-80, exit onto Highway 20 and drive four miles toward Nevada City.
- After 3.5 miles, turn north onto Bowman Lake Road (forest service road 18) and drive for 1.3 miles. Have no fear, this section of the road is all paved.
- Just before the bridge that crosses the Yuba River, there is a dirt access road. It is now gated and locked, so park across the bridge, then continue on foot.
For an overview map of walking directions to the climbing areas, with GPS coordinates, see the Emeralds Guide page 1 thru 6 below in the Photos.
Classic Climbing Routes at The Emeralds
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
Weather Averages
|
High
|
Low
|
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
Prime Climbing Season
| 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
14 Comments
More About The Emeralds
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
Guidebooks (10)
auburn
There are several climbing locations in and around the emeralds area. The (sort of sketchy/often flooded area (upper gorge etc)) is more easily approached via lake spalding (i.e. park on HWY20 and ride bike down and over the lake spalding dam...better for end of the summer/when it's been dry for a long time.
Some other (more safe/non-flooded) climbing is more easily appraoched via bowman lake road. This area includes a climb called "Steel Monkey" '12a' epic 4/5 star sport climb on a slightly overhanging wall. Jun 25, 2012
There are now 27 newly bolted lines in the Gorge ranging from .10-.13. The greatest concentration of routes is in the .11 range. Some of these routes require a 70 meter rope. Dam Release/high water in spring is a very dangerous issue here. Other than that the Gorge climbing is great and the Wishing Well remains cool even in July/August when the rest of the Emeralds is hot.
Cheers, Mike Feb 16, 2013
mcminnville, or
Sacramento, Ca
Sacramento, Ca
Elk Grove, ca
Noticed several tents while walking into the emeralds climbing area this last weekend ( 5/20/17 ). PG&E has posted several signs at the gate and other areas that state camping is NOT allowed. Please respect this so that access does not become an issue!
Thanks in advance,
Colby W May 22, 2017
Nevada City, CA
PLEASE do not camp at the crag, and please obey parking signs and do not block the roadway.
I understand the popularity of the crag has blown up recently, but as a local, these actions greatly increase the chance of access being threatened. Plus, the risk of fire danger is extremely high given the water year, and a camp fire could have a spark that put thousands of lives and homes at risk. There are plenty of free camping opportunities in Tahoe National Forest and on BLM land, but please don't start fires.
Another note, also please don't bring glass to the river or the crag! This weekend there was a bunch of broken glass at the Swimming hole there and on the trail.
Please be a thoughtful environmental steward and leave no trace. Aug 7, 2017
Verdi, NV
San Francisco, CA
Thanks Jun 21, 2018
Sacramento, Ca