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Elevation: 3,600 ft
GPS: 34.5776, -119.2579
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 74,804 total · 345/month
Shared By: Mike Morley on Feb 13, 2006
Admins: andy patterson, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: Hwy 33 Road Closure DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

The Sespe Gorge/Black Wall offers the Central Coast's only true multi-pitch climbing within a 4-hr drive. There are around 2 dozen documented routes, all on fairly low-angle terrain and varying in quality from excellent to downright horrible. Ending Crack (5.7) and Tree Root (5.5) account for about 98% of climber traffic on any given day. Expect to encounter some loose rock and vegetation on the less popular routes.

In the summer months, the wall is in the sun most of the day.

6 bolts on the Ending Crack rappel route were replaced 9/99 by Reese Martin. 2 ropes are needed to descend most routes.

Getting There Suggest change

From Ojai, head north on 33 for about 20 miles. There is a small pullout for the Black Wall on the left side of the road.

If coming from Santa Maria or San Luis Obispo, it's faster to take the 166 east out of Santa Maria towards New Cuyama (passing Silly Rocks en route), turning right (south) onto 33 up and over Pine Mountain pass. Done this way, the Black Wall and Potrero John are about 100 miles (1.5+ hrs) from Santa Maria.

18 Total Climbs

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Location: Sespe Gorge (Black Wall) Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Sespe Gorge (Black Wall)

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V2 5+
 13
Black Wall Traverse
Boulder
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13
 144
Ending Crack
Trad 2 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Black Wall Traverse
 13
V2 5+ Boulder
Ending Crack
 144
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13 Trad 2 pitches
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