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Hillcrest Boulders
California
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Access Issue: Hillcrest Parking Issue
Details
Access to Hillcrest Boulders is potentially at risk:
Due to the influx of climbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the residents of the Hillcrest area have been suffering from substantial parking problems that, if left unchecked, may threaten access to the Vacaville Boulders.
Please utilize the alternative parking options listed under the “Location” sub section in the area description
Access Issue: Parking Issue
Details
Access to Hillcrest Boulders is potentially at risk:
Due to the influx of climbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the residents of the Hillcrest area have been suffering from substantial parking problems that, if left unchecked, may threaten access to the Vacaville Boulders.
Please utilize the alternative parking options listed under the “Location” sub section in the area description.
Description
The Hillcrest boulders are home to some of the largest features and most classic routes at the Nut Tree Boulders. Unfortunately it's also one of the most spread out areas requiring some effort when jumping from rock to rock. Not to worry though, as boulders dot the entire trail and hillside all the way from
Scotts Rock near the road to the
Mother Boulder at the very peak of the tallest hill.
There is something for everyone here from classic V0's to the areas current hardest and most classic problem
(Scotts Traverse) coming in at a very stout and sustained V9. Highballs, overhangs, cracks, traverses and pumpy face routes. This area has it all and more than enough climbing to keep you coming back no matter what your abilities.
Getting There
The residents of Hillcrest Circle, the neighborhood for which the boulders are named, have asked that all parking be diverted from Hillcrest Circle to alternative locations outside of the neighborhood. There are two convenient options with ample parking:
- Vaca Valley Pkwy: There is parking along the west side of Vaca Valley Parkway before it dead-ends. The City of Vacaville removed "No Parking" signs recently to accommodate additional parking areas. Note that cattle are currently grazing in this area, so please be sure to close gates!
- McMurtry Lane: Heading north on Browns Valley Parkway turn left (west) on McMurtry Lane. Go all the way down until you reach the Caliguiri Park and Preserve Area. There is plenty of street parking there that will not interfere with residents. Note that cattle are also grazing in this area, so please be sure to close gates!
[Hide Photo] Tyler on Brass Monkey, Hidden Boulder
[Hide Photo] A nice line on Saddle Boulder, unlisted in the guide but feels like V4-5ish (?). Fun regardless.
[Hide Photo] Update: March 4th, 2021. The gate access for Hillcrest boulders is now closed and locked. This map shows alternate access of the hills
[Hide Photo] Scott's Boulder
[Hide Photo] Noelle K. Patterson joining up with Rump Roast(crux move)!
[Hide Photo] Looks like rattle snakes claimed the holes at the Hidden boulder under the Gimmie My Forty Sucka problem. Be careful if you're climbing around there and don't disturb the danger noodles.
Sacramento
Does the city have anything else in mind in terms of stewardship for the area other than citations and locks and signs telling you to go away? I have tried contacting the parks and rec dept of Vacaville several times in the past year to no response. They don't seem to care about the continued tagging either. The area needs some help more than just the occasional litter pick up, it needs some infrastructure help. People are certainly willing to help, I think BACC covers the area, maybe they have something in mind?
Mountain Project cannot be the sole way information is conveyed at Nut Tree, especially how many people rely on the app version which they are not likely to read any of this stuff, not that many do anyways. An information sign and TRASH CANS at the Hillcrest and Woodcrest gates would be a great start. This problem will only get worse with time, would be tragic if access was permanently jeopardized. Mar 13, 2021