All Locations > California > Central Coast > Pinnacles NP > W Side

Flumes Formation Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Flumes Formation

Backside 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1

Lower Flumes Formation 0 / 9 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 9

Northwest Face 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1

Upper Flumes Formation 1 / 6 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 7

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Elevation:	1,389 ft	423 m
GPS:	36.49795, -121.2038 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	32,435 total · 124/month
Shared By:	Keebler on Nov 6, 2003
Admins:	andy patterson, Aron Quiter, Bruce Hildenbrand, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

Always check this web page before you visit for current conditions and nesting closures:

Current Raptor Advisories for Pinnacles National Park nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/…
and
pinnacles.org/climbing_info…
Closures effective as of the day after Martin Luther King Day- July 3. Check closure website for details on closed areas.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Condors have been establishing nests at the Pinnacles National Monument. Since condors develop to fledgling more slowly than raptors and vultures closures due to condor nesting is extended past the usual Martin Luther King Day to July 3rd. Again, please check the "Current Raptor Advisory" section of the NPS website and/or the Friends of Pinnacles website for current closures.

As of July 2024 there are three active Condor nests at Pinnacles National Park.

The Machete Ridge area is closed from Pigeon Crack on west face then west around the south side to The Hideout including the popular Old Original.

All climbing routes at Crowley Towers are closed.

All routes on the Yaks and Yaks Wall plus Marauder.

Description

Welcome to the west side of the Pinnacles. The cliffs are taller and the crowds much smaller. The Flumes Formation is a great cliff for the intermediate leader. You have well bolted sport routes on decent rock. The routes range from 5.6 to 5.10 and make for a good days outing. Check out Kibbles and Bits, try linking it with Rebecca's Sailing for a fun long route or do it in two short pitches. The 5.8 overhang, makes an exciting finish.

If you are looking for a bit harder route, give Jumangi a try. It is a short route but has some committing moves. Don't feel like leading it, just traverse over from the top of Bits and Pieces or Tilting Terrace and set up a top rope.

Another good route is Nipples and Knobs 5.10a-b. This route shares the first bolt with Tilting Terrace and then heads up and right through steep knobs. It is well protected route and contains a two bolt chained anchor.

Getting There

From the West Side parking lot take the Balconies Trail 0.6mi to the junction with the Balconies Cave Trail. The Flumes formation is to your west. Hike up the Balconies Trail from here making short approaches from several switchbacks as they get close to the formation. There are carabiner trail markers indicating the climber's trails in this area.

18 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Flumes Formation

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b 8 ● Self Selecting Substrate Sport Upper Flumes Formation
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 10 ● Where the Sun Shines Sport Upper Flumes Formation
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 33 ● Cool Daze Sport Lower Flumes Formation
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 31 ● Tilting Terrace Sport 2 pitches Lower Flumes Formation
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 58 ● Bits and Pieces Sport Lower Flumes Formation
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 72 ● Kibbles and Bits Sport Lower Flumes Formation
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 48 ● Rebecca's Sailing Sport Lower Flumes Formation
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 16 ● Adam's Apple Sport Lower Flumes Formation
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 29 ● Jumangi Sport Lower Flumes Formation
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 27 ● Nipples and Knobs Sport Lower Flumes Formation