Cliff Drive Rock Climbing

Cliff Drive is a basalt crag, formed by cooling lava with less than 53% silica. The lower amount of silica allows the lava to flow great distances from its source. This dark igneous rock offers a very different climbing experience than the granite typical of the Northwest. Even though the climbs here are short, the view of the city center, from the top of the crag is beautiful. The Spokane vista spreads out behind you as you climb. This location offers a close-in climbing experience for the 9 to 5 worker who can't spend the time driving longer distances to climb after work. The approach from your car is currently about one or two blocks

There are over 20 bolted climbs ranging from 5.6 to 5.11, with a healthy concentration of nines and tens. Six quick draws are about all you need to lead these climbs. Should you prefer to top-rope, most top-anchors are easy to reach.  Additionally, there are several anchors above the climbs to clip into when setting up top-ropes.

The Main Wall is a few hundred feet west of the popular City Overlook. Other climbs are scattered along the cliff sections west of the Main Wall.  Just downhill from the Main Wall is another short rock (Peter Pan Rock?) with 5 enjoyable, shorter climbs. 

The wooded area below the street level and surrounding these climbs seems to provide a sad shelter for those less fortunate. As a result there may be a disturbing amount of litter.  If inclined, only a few minutes with a small trash bag can help keep the place comfortable.  It's not necessary to bring it home; there is a public trash can at the City Overlook.