Hwy 33/Ojai Climbing

Cool geological information about the Sespe Gorge area Aug 17, 2008

Has anyone here climbed Chouinard-Bossier on Matilija wall? Or does anyone know about the access situation? There's not much info out there for this route. Feb 7, 2009

t-rev: Full topos, photos, and other details about Matilija, Cathedral Peak, and a number of other gems missing from the Falcon Guide can be found in the out-of-print 1994 guide "Climbing! Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo" by Steve Tucker and Kevin Steele. Sep 14, 2009

I spent a fair amount of time trying to get good access for Matilija. Got a guy who has "closed" the road to give me access but not to open the road to the public. We could get it open but no one seemed intereseted about fighting for it and the rangers were indifferent. This was for the West Camino Cielo access. You can still get there via a horrible scrample up from the res but it's ridiculous unless you want it badly, which is why I said in my guide that it's probably more time efficient to drive to the Sierra. If someone was was amped about the place and wanted to do some work I think decent access could be gained. Aug 10, 2010

I jus posted some pics of Matilija Wall, any takers? Nov 12, 2010

For automobile aficionados:
Where does Car & Driver Magazine go to test drive a 500-hp super car?..

Highway-33, of course. Look for Wheeler Gorge in this video Nov 6, 2012

A workaday road that cuts through California's back story Apr 3, 2013

Even on 100 degree days like those of the past week, it is possible to find climbable conditions along the Hwy-33 corridor. Wheeler can be down right pleasant as the narrow canyon usually generates its own air movement. Derrydale Cliff is in the shade until close to noon. Potrero John and Sespe have full shade from about 2pm onward.

On Saturday, when the temp was 101 at the site, we climbed Derrydale all morning and Potrero all afternoon, with some time by the creek in between.The day was surprisingly enjoyable. Jun 25, 2017

12/5/2017 - The Thomas Fire is currently burning "out of control". No access to any of these crags at present. More at vcstar.com/story/news/local… Dec 5, 2017

• Updated 3/28/19

I’ve been getting a number of messages lately from people wondering about high water and where to climb. Despite dry conditions recently, creek levels are still up.

Sespe Gorge has ‘dry foot’ access currently; take the normal trail down and push through a bit of brush (upstream) before hopping across the creek. Tree Root and Ending Crack are both accessible. Many other routes are inundated at the base.

Wheeler has limited access, but the sandstone wall is prime (Blush, Exodus). And some cobble moderates can be reached (Ripple Rider, Ezra, Cobble Climb, Cruiser, Economique). Many other routes have water at the base.

For the Fortress and PJ Wall, I cobbled together a path last week. Look for mile marker 31, just south of the Derry Dale bridge. Follow cairns across the creek. Thanks to Mike Reeves for adding a critical log to the crossing.

If you dont know Mike, he’s the only person I’ve met who’s both sent Whiplash and also sent raising three kids. Pretty serious, on both accounts. Mar 27, 2019 · Temporary Report