Black Wall Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 6,783 ft | 2,067 m |
GPS: |
39.3255, -120.31447 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 196,983 total · 821/month | |
Shared By: | Paul Rezucha on Aug 4, 2005 · Updates | |
Admins: | Aron Quiter, Lurk Er, Ky Bishop, Colby Wangler, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes |
Mind nesting raptors that raise young on the Black Wall some years. If you sight a peregrine, contact Dan Joannes, staff biology guy for the Truckee Donner Land Trust at Daniel@tdlandtrust.org
Description
Black Wall is the largest rock formation in the Donner Summit area. The large east facing wall is the first rock formation you encounter on the right as you drive up from Donner Lake. Many routes are 3 or 4 pitches in length to a height of 400-600 feet. Although most of the routes are trad requiring a good solid standard rack, some sport routes also exist. To descend, walk off the left side (west) and follow trail down and eventually cut back left over a ridge to gain access to bottom of cliffs.
Black Wall is a complex formation, and sub-areas listed here are arranged relative to how they are typically accessed. This climbing area was protected by the Truckee Donner Land Trust.
Black Wall is a complex formation, and sub-areas listed here are arranged relative to how they are typically accessed. This climbing area was protected by the Truckee Donner Land Trust.
Getting There
Driving up from Donner Lake, Black Wall is the first rock formation you come to on the right side sitting high above the road. If you are driving from the west, you would exit at the Soda Springs/Donner Pass Road exit off of I-80. Continue on Donner Pass Road east for several miles to reach to the Donner Summit area. You will pass many climbing formations as you drive down the hill. Black Wall will be the very last one on the left side. There is a small parking pull off area. There are two ways to approach the cliffs. For climbs on the left side, follow a small trail that begins up a little from the parking area. The trail meanders up and eventually you just climb boulder to boulder to get through the boulder field heading straight up to the cliffs. To gain the right side, it is easier to follow a small trail just left of a small creek. Follow trail and creek bed to a point where the trail turns left to the base of the wall. Approach is about 10-15 minutes if you are acclimated to the higher 7000' altitude. If you are arriving from the Bay area, expect the approach to be a little tiring! Beautiful rock in a beautiful setting!
Classic Climbing Routes at Black Wall
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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