Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

Road Cut, The

California > Lake Tahoe > I-80 Corridor > Donner Summit

Description

This area contains many sport routes of intermediate to expert grade, though there are also a few existing cracks that can be protected traditionally.

Rappelling of the top anchors is your best bet on most routes, as you can rap down to the top anchors on most climbs, but climbing out of them is not so simple.

You will find this area in the shade in the afternoon, though in the mornings it will be quite hot.

It should also be noted that The Totem Pile (5.10d), located on the mid right section of the road cut, a former runout rated Rclimb is now bolted.

Getting There

Approach time: cross the street, and pull out your gear.

From the west (I-80 and Soda Springs) head up over the pass. head downhill over the bridge, and continue past The Peanut Gallery (the large slablike rock on your left), to the next roadside rock on the left, which is The Road Cut.

Park on either side of the road, though there is a definate pullout on the right side of the road.

From the east this is the first established area near the road. It comes a couple bends in the road after you pass the large Black Wall.

Routes from Left to Right

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Jennifer Melrose having fun at Road Cut.
[Hide Photo] Jennifer Melrose having fun at Road Cut.
Setting up for the crux on Hit and Run, 5.11b
[Hide Photo] Setting up for the crux on Hit and Run, 5.11b
The Road Cut
[Hide Photo] The Road Cut

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Brennan Best
Reno, Nevada
[Hide Comment] 2-7-2015 A rock fall came off the road cut area and may have affected some of the routes in the area. I haven't been to the zone to see where it happened but I have seen photos. I have also heard they will be blasting more hazardous loose rock possibly further affecting routes. Feb 8, 2015
John Jackson
Homewood, CA
[Hide Comment] Wow, I drive by that twice a day every day. It will be interesting to see if they have to do significant modification to the cliff to stabilize it and get the road reopen.
--- Invalid image id: 110048685 --- Feb 8, 2015
Justin Johnsen
Sacramento, CA
[Hide Comment] Wow, geology in action! Thanks for sharing the photo, John. Feb 8, 2015
Perry Norris
Truckee, CA
[Hide Comment] Totem Pole no longer exists. Oct 8, 2018