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Elevation: 1,605 ft 489 m
GPS: 33.84151, -117.16667
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 180,433 total · 781/month
Shared By: Adam Stackhouse on Feb 21, 2006 · Updates
Admins: C Miller, Euan Cameron, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: Rebolting Complete! DetailsDrop down

What's here? Suggest change

Big Rock is located in southern part of Lake Perris State Recreation Area. While other small developed slabs surround Big Rock, most of the routes are found on the main wall, containing about thirty routes. Of these, less than 5 are cracks, with the balance being bolted face routes. The rock quality is very good, and with the routes facing northwest it gets lots of afternoon sun.

The routes are low-angled, with generally more than ample bolted protection. It is a great place for beginners and novices. Most all belays are three-bolt set-ups, all of which were replaced with stainless steel hardware in July/August of 2018. While most of the routes can be done in one pitch, some have bolted anchors midway, allowing one to practice belay switch-overs. There is some bouldering around the base of the rock, with more still on the surrounding hillsides.

Getting There Suggest change

Access to Big Rock is via Hwy 215 exiting on the Ramona Expressway, heading east towards Lake Perris. About 7 miles down the road on the left is an unmarked park entrance road, called Bernasconi Rd. Left here leads to a self-pay station. 

Parking in the park is steep at $10.00 per vehicle, or one can park about 1/2 mile out of the park on Bernasconi and walk in for free.

Once in the park, hike left through the picnic area on a paved service road for about 1/3 mile until Big Rock becomes apparent on the left hillside.

History of Big Rock

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A great historical link about Big Rock can be read here;msg=373143#msg373143 courtesy of Don Chambers,. Comments by some legends of the sport that many would not have guessed climbed at Big Rock.

Parking Fees Temp

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Parking machine is reported to be temporarily disabled for repair.  Parking fees still must be validated

64 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Big Rock Area

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
 102
The Trough
Trad
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
 78
African Flake
Trad
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 67
Puppy Dog
Trad 2 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R
 51
Crater Maker (aka Dark Side of t…
Trad
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 49
Left Flake
Trad
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 39
Right Flake
Trad
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 36
Welcome to Big Rock
Sport
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 51
[Redacted]
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 39
Boogaloo Direct
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 41
The Roof
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 37
The Shroud
Trad
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 58
Frontal Lobotomy
Trad
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 52
Mind Bender
Trad
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 35
Edger Sanction
Trad
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 28
Let it Bleed
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
The Trough Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 102
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a Trad
African Flake Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 78
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a Trad
Puppy Dog Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 67
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad 2 pitches
Crater Maker (aka Dark Side… Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 51
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R Trad
Left Flake Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Upper
 49
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
Right Flake Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Upper
 39
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
Welcome to Big Rock Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 36
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport
[Redacted] Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 51
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
Boogaloo Direct Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 39
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
The Roof Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 41
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
The Shroud Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 37
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
Frontal Lobotomy Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 58
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
Mind Bender Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 52
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
Edger Sanction Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Lower
 35
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
Let it Bleed Big Rock - Main… > Main Slab - Upper
 28
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Trad
More Classic Climbs in Big Rock Area »

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