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| Elevation: | 5,697 ft | 1,736 m |
| GPS: |
38.17532, -120.02685 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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| Page Views: | 845,985 total · 5,256/month | |
| Shared By: | Orphaned User on Sep 24, 2011 | |
| Admins: | Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes |
Description
The Sonora Pass highway is a short drive from Northern California's major population centers, yet offers rock like Tahoe AND Yosemite without the crowds of either destination.
The low country includes a series of crags along highway 108 from the San Joaquin Valley into the foothills near the town of Sonora itself.
In the fall, Table Mountain, especially around the Grotto, is one of the most beautiful places in the state. However, learn about its paradoxical access issues before visiting the Gold Wall or Jail House Rock areas there. They contain some of the finest climbing around, but aren't documented online or in guidebooks.
Approaches range from roadside pullouts with painted grades (established by the US Marines on public land near their Mountain Warfare Training Center), to remote and wild alpine lines requiring both luck and determination to climb successfully.
The high country is highly seasonal! Sonora Pass closes down every winter, and sometimes with little notice in spring and fall when there's snow on the ground.
A 2013 edition of "A Climber's Guide to the Sonora Pass Highway" may increase visits.
Other updates beyond the book can be found at the Sonora Pass Climbing website.
Some bouldering areas include:
The low country includes a series of crags along highway 108 from the San Joaquin Valley into the foothills near the town of Sonora itself.
In the fall, Table Mountain, especially around the Grotto, is one of the most beautiful places in the state. However, learn about its paradoxical access issues before visiting the Gold Wall or Jail House Rock areas there. They contain some of the finest climbing around, but aren't documented online or in guidebooks.
Approaches range from roadside pullouts with painted grades (established by the US Marines on public land near their Mountain Warfare Training Center), to remote and wild alpine lines requiring both luck and determination to climb successfully.
The high country is highly seasonal! Sonora Pass closes down every winter, and sometimes with little notice in spring and fall when there's snow on the ground.
A 2013 edition of "A Climber's Guide to the Sonora Pass Highway" may increase visits.
Other updates beyond the book can be found at the Sonora Pass Climbing website.
Some bouldering areas include:
- Chipmunk Flat
- Columbia College, and State Park
- Donnell Vista
- Pump Rocks
- Sonora Pass
- Switchback Boulders
Getting There
From the west, head east on Hwy 108 from the small community of Sonora.
From the east, head west on Hwy 108 from Bridgeport at the junction of Hwy 395.
Note that the highway is closed in winter, generally November through May. Check dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/sr108 for road conditions and closures.
From the east, head west on Hwy 108 from Bridgeport at the junction of Hwy 395.
Note that the highway is closed in winter, generally November through May. Check dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/sr108 for road conditions and closures.
Classic Climbing Routes at Sonora Pass Highway (108)
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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Photos
All Photos Within Sonora Pass Highway (108)
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