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Elevation: 1,113 ft 339 m
GPS: 37.87418, -83.65362
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 45,460 total · 205/month
Shared By: Chris Chaney on Oct 4, 2006
Admins: Shirtless Mike, DrRockso RRG, Luke Cornejo, Billy Simek
Warning Access Issue: New route development is prohibited in the Daniel Boone National Forest. DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

This wall has long been noted for having the "best" concentration of offwidths in the Red River Gorge. For some people using the words "best" and "offwidth" in the same sentence inspires chuckles or even desperate laughter. But for others the warm fuzzy feeling begin and they shrug on ragged clothing and head for the crag.

Characterized by colorful, abrasive rock Muscle Beach is a tall imposing band of sandstone. There are just enough non-offwidths to interest the masses, but don't expect to hike up to this wall and find a partner. The crowds usually stay away.

Getting There Suggest change

Take 9b until you see semi-developed camping on the right. Then you'll see pit toilets on the left. Park across the road from the pit toilets.

Hike to the creek and cross on some placed boulders. Cross the creek then hike downstream bearing left toward the treeline near the end of the open area. Before reaching a small stream coming in from the left look for a faint trail on the left (duck under a fallen tree) and follow this trail through thick undergrowth.

The trail eventually meets up with an old overgrown logging road which goes up, then left, and then levels out. Pass the first road fork on the right and at the second intersection (in an open area) take the hard right up the hill. When it briefly levels out leave the road and bear right toward the main corner of the cliff where Close Encounters With a Wench is located, or switchback left to reach Minas Ithil and the bouldering area.

15 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Muscle Beach

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