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Elevation: 3,682 ft
GPS: 42.54812, -114.46938
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Shared By: Mike Engle on Apr 3, 2017 · Updates
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Description Suggest change

Climbing in the Twin Falls area is mainly concentrated in the nearby Snake River Canyon, a scenic and famous gorge initially carved by the Snake River and then substantially deepened and widened by the catastrophic Bonneville Flood about 17,000 years ago. The upper part of the canyon is composed of stacked basalt lava flows and forms the bulk of the area's climbing venues. The lower half of the canyon is made of older rhyolite, a different volcanic rock and one generally not as conducive to good climbing. The few roads descending the canyon from the south side provide access to many of the climbing areas like Dierkes Lake, The Midway, Gawker Wall, Picnic Crag, and Auger Falls. Approaches to crags on the north rim range from dirt road drive-ups to Class 3/4 downclimbs to dedicated rappels.

Rock quality in the Twin Falls region varies but is generally quite good. Routes tend to be vertical (or nearly so) to somewhat overhanging to super steep. Each crag has its own flavor based on the basalt theme but cracks, edges, and pockets are common. Sport climbing and bouldering are the dominant themes but there are a handful of trad lines and some sport lines can be led on trad gear. 

The greatest concentration of crags lies around Dierkes Lake and Shoshone Falls but other area crags are worth visiting and super fun. For those looking for good beginner and family crags, try Auger Falls or The Midway. Those interested in setting up topropes should try Auger Falls, left side of the Alcove at Dierkes Lake, or Canyon View crag (not on MP but in Idaho Underground guidebook). All other areas involve lead climbing.

The Southern Idaho Climbing Coalition (SICC) is the local LCO and does great work on route maintenance, ensuring access, and building our community. Please consider supporting our local climbing businesses, Magic Valley Gear Exchange and Gemstone Climbing Center located downtown.     

Getting There Suggest change

You can get to Twin Falls from the east or the west on I-84. Turn south on US Highway 93. After about 3 miles you will cross the bridge spanning the Snake River Canyon and enter the city of Twin Falls. Coming from the south, get on US highway 93 in Nevada and travel north to Twin Falls.

298 Total Climbs

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Location: Twin Falls and the Snake River Canyon Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Twin Falls and the Snake River Canyon

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V3 6A
 7
Power Scherer
Boulder
V4 6B
 18
Greenroom
Boulder
V4 6B
 9
Bear Hug
Boulder
V5 6C
 10
Halfway to Jackpot
Boulder
V7- 7A+
 11
Holiday in costco
Boulder
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 32
Over the Falls 1
Sport
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 16
"Where do you keep your balls?"
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 16
Vacation Day
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 6
Arachnophobia
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 5
The Old Man and His Stick
Sport
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 38
Fire in the belly
Sport
5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 38
Ziplock
Sport
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 39
Black Thing
Sport
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 9
"Woot, woot!"
Sport
5.12+ 7c 28 IX 27 E6 6b
 8
Soloflex
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Power Scherer Dierkes Lake Bo… > Jackpot Area
 7
V3 6A Boulder
Greenroom Dierkes Lake Bo… > Greenroom Area
 18
V4 6B Boulder
Bear Hug Dierkes Lake Bo… > Down Under Corridor Area
 9
V4 6B Boulder
Halfway to Jackpot Dierkes Lake Bo… > Jackpot Area
 10
V5 6C Boulder
Holiday in costco Dierkes Lake Bo… > Greenroom Area
 11
V7- 7A+ Boulder
Over the Falls 1 Dierkes Lake > Prow
 32
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport
"Where do you keep your bal… Shoshone Falls… > Gawker Wall
 16
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport
Vacation Day Dierkes Lake > Prow
 16
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Arachnophobia Shoshone Falls… > Picnic Crag
 6
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
The Old Man and His Stick Shoshone Falls… > Gawker Wall
 5
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Fire in the belly Dierkes Lake > Skunk Cave
 38
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport
Ziplock Dierkes Lake > Alcove
 38
5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
Black Thing Dierkes Lake > Alcove
 39
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
"Woot, woot!" Shoshone Falls… > Gawker Wall
 9
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
Soloflex Dierkes Lake > Alcove
 8
5.12+ 7c 28 IX 27 E6 6b Sport
More Classic Climbs in Twin Falls and the Snake River Canyon »

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