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The Citadel

California > Central Coast > Pinnacles NP > W Side
Warning Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures DetailsDrop down

Description

This massive rock, with its 400-foot wall, stands at the head of the canyon. The majestic formation is at the end of the worn approach trail, just uphill from Whitetail Rock. This is a great place to climb on a hot day, as all routes lie on the north face.

Descent: One either can descend via rappel down Power Tools or Costanoan. There are rappel rings on all 4 bolted anchors of Costanoan. This is much safer than downclimbing off the southeast shoulder.

Getting There

Pinnacles National Monument, West Side.

Take the well marked climbers trail off of the Balconies Cave Trail which starts at the Shepherd. Follow past Elephant Rock to the base of the Citadel. Approach is about 45 min from the west side parking lot.

Routes from Left to Right

5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
 192
● Costanoan
Trad 4 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 10
● The Flying None
Trad 4 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 4
● Drawn and Cornered
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 6
● The Nightman Cometh
Sport 3 pitches
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 1
● Anasazi
Trad 4 pitches
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 27
● Power Tools
Sport 4 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Costanoan
 192
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c Trad 4 pitches
● The Flying None
 10
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad 4 pitches
● Drawn and Cornered
 4
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
● The Nightman Cometh
 6
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport 3 pitches
● Anasazi
 1
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad 4 pitches
● Power Tools
 27
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport 4 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Citadel formation, Elephant is also visible on the left. 2-3 hour approach for first timers, and those not accustomed to altitude.
[Hide Photo] Citadel formation, Elephant is also visible on the left. 2-3 hour approach for first timers, and those not accustomed to altitude.
The Citadel still sees shade through the afternoon.
[Hide Photo] The Citadel still sees shade through the afternoon.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

John Buchenauer
[Hide Comment] The Young Guide says 2 60's are needed to rap off Citadel. I added rings to an intermediate belay on Power Tools, now only ONE 60 meter rope is needed to go top to bottom. Just be careful scrambling down to the top anchors on Power Tools, it's very mossy and very loose. Jan 10, 2015