Riggins Limestone Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 6,500 ft | 1,981 m |
GPS: |
45.383, -116.45447 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 55,274 total · 427/month | |
Shared By: | Chris Ketchum on Jul 29, 2014 | |
Admins: | Mike Engle, Eric Bluemn |
Description
The two main crags comprising the Riggins Limestone area are tucked away in the pines just off of Seven Devils Road, which receives little traffic other than ranchers, backpackers, and campers bound for the campground at the end of the 18 mile Forest Service road. Even at the height of the season (May to September), you will rarely encounter more than a few other climbing parties. Though the town of Riggins can get quite hot during the summer, the crag's position several thousand feet above Highway 95 and the Salmon River and its almost full-day shade make it a cool and pleasant temperature even in mid-July.
The climbing itself ranges from just shy of vertical to gently overhung at The Projects, to the fiercely overhung Amphitheater. Grades range from 5.8 to 5.14b, with an average hovering around mid 5.12. Every established route is bolted for sport. The rock is sharp, well-featured limestone with lots of pockets and edges.
The thriving metropolis of Riggins, ID boasts a year-round population of 419 residents. Fortunately, tourism on the Salmon river brings in loads of energy from rafters, kayakers, and fly fisherman during the summer months, so the amenities are more than adequate for the aspiring climber. Food and beer is easy to pick up from the Main Street marketplace, and there are several diner/grill type joints to get a good burger or fish fillet. Don't miss out on huckleberry milkshakes during the summer months!
The best camping is located about 8 miles past the crags at Seven Devils Campground. There are vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits (but no running water) adjacent to Seven Devils Lake. There are no camping fees.
If you'd rather be closer to the crags, there are primitive campsites that are fair game for setting up tents. There are also motels and inns in the town of Riggins about a twenty minute drive away.
The climbing itself ranges from just shy of vertical to gently overhung at The Projects, to the fiercely overhung Amphitheater. Grades range from 5.8 to 5.14b, with an average hovering around mid 5.12. Every established route is bolted for sport. The rock is sharp, well-featured limestone with lots of pockets and edges.
The thriving metropolis of Riggins, ID boasts a year-round population of 419 residents. Fortunately, tourism on the Salmon river brings in loads of energy from rafters, kayakers, and fly fisherman during the summer months, so the amenities are more than adequate for the aspiring climber. Food and beer is easy to pick up from the Main Street marketplace, and there are several diner/grill type joints to get a good burger or fish fillet. Don't miss out on huckleberry milkshakes during the summer months!
The best camping is located about 8 miles past the crags at Seven Devils Campground. There are vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits (but no running water) adjacent to Seven Devils Lake. There are no camping fees.
If you'd rather be closer to the crags, there are primitive campsites that are fair game for setting up tents. There are also motels and inns in the town of Riggins about a twenty minute drive away.
Getting There
To get to the crags from the town of Riggins (immediately off of Highway 95), turn onto Seven Devils Road less than a half-mile south of town.
The Amphitheater is located just off a spur road just before mile-marker 9. At the corner of a switchback, there will be a parking spot for about 2 cars across from the entrance to the spur road.
The Projects are located after mile-marker 9 just past a cattle guard. The road widens to make parking space for 2-4 cars. If you pass mile-marker 10 (hidden on the left hand side of the road), you've gone too far.
The Amphitheater is located just off a spur road just before mile-marker 9. At the corner of a switchback, there will be a parking spot for about 2 cars across from the entrance to the spur road.
The Projects are located after mile-marker 9 just past a cattle guard. The road widens to make parking space for 2-4 cars. If you pass mile-marker 10 (hidden on the left hand side of the road), you've gone too far.
Classic Climbing Routes at Riggins Limestone
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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