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Elevation: 2,880 ft
GPS: 37.2282, -122.1079
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 60,978 total · 230/month
Shared By: Melissa Moore on Jun 20, 2002 · Updates
Admins: Aron Quiter, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: Trails are closed from sunset to 6:00 am. DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Goat Rock is tucked a fair way back from the main Castle Park area, but it's worth the beautiful hike in.

It's a pretty sweet mix of slabs and overhung, cave-like climbs, with lots of pockets all around.

The rock itself is 110 feet high, but the routes run no longer than 80 feet.

From the top you get an even more breathtaking view of the valley.

The only bolts are on the "Left Side of Great Roof" (and they're a little sketchy to walk out to). There are a number of bolts on the top for the "easy" routes but no hangars. You can run a long sling around the large horn on the top for the right hand side routes.

The climbs range from 5.4 to 5.12a, with something for everyone.

This rock is great if you have people with varying skill levels in your group.

The top rope bolts are easily accessed, but you should definitely bring long slings to set up your top rope if you want your rope to last on this sandstone.

If you're planning on staying 'til sundown don't forget to bring a headlamp or flashlight... otherwise the hike out gets very tricky.

Classics on Goat Rock include Great Roof (5.10b) and the Left Side (5.12a) for more advanced climbers, and Swiss Cheese (5.4-5.7) for less experienced climbers.

Getting There Suggest change

From the main Castle Rock parking lot, take the Saratoga Gap Trail west toward Castle Rock Falls. You will cross Kings Creek, then at the fork in the trail, turn right onto Ridge Trail (there is a sign labeled goat rock). If you reach the observation platform for Castle Rock Falls you have gone past the fork. Passing by Last Temptation Cliff and Billy Goat rock on your right, you will come to Goat Rock on the left side. It's about a 1.3 to 1.5 mile hike in, with a decent amount of uphill walking, on a fairly small but well-traveled trail.

It is also possible to access Goat rock from the backpack camp via the ridge trail.

10 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Goat Rock

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V1 5
 4
Bowling Bawl
Boulder
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
 76
Swiss Cheese
Trad, TR
5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c X
 29
Corner Route
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 32
Center Route
TR
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 39
Triple Overhang
TR
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 140
The Great Roof
TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Bowling Bawl
 4
V1 5 Boulder
Swiss Cheese
 76
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c Trad, TR
Corner Route
 29
5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c X Trad
Center Route
 32
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c TR
Triple Overhang
 39
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a TR
The Great Roof
 140
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b TR
More Classic Climbs in Goat Rock »

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