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Elevation: 5,175 ft 1,577 m
GPS: 39.45357, -120.00893
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 39,822 total · 389/month
Shared By: Justin Johnsen on May 9, 2018 · Updates
Admins: Lurk Er, Justin Johnsen

Description Suggest change

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2026: Truckee Meadows Water Authority will be rehabilitating portions of the Fleish Hydroelectric Conveyance System and Powerhouse from September 2026 through May of 2027. During this time, the area between the Fleish Bridge and Quilici Ranch Road Trailhead (which includes River Rock) will be closed. Please be respectful of this closure so climbers can continue accessing River Rock in the future.

Although technically just across the border in California, River Rock is much closer to Reno than anywhere else, and also has that high-desert granite feel. This is a good cold-weather crag as it faces mostly west and gets sun after about noon. River Rock has a somewhat limited offering of routes, but the more-popular routes are generally quite good.

Getting There Suggest change

River Rock is a mile west of the California/Nevada border and is very obvious from the highway. The parking is a very large pullout on the south side of the highway, across the river from the rocks. From Reno, you'll pass the crag going westbound, exit at Farad, then head back eastbound for approximately 2.6 miles to get to the pullout. From the west end of the pullout, you'll see a gate, and shortly past the gate is a trail. Follow that trail for about 100 yards and you'll come to a gravel road. Head upstream for about 200 yards and you'll see a trail heading down to the railroad tracks. Cross them and head upstream for about 25 yards and follow the trail to the suspension bridge. After the bridge, continue downstream, cross a small walkway across the water, and you'll shortly arrive at the base. 

The Upstream Wall is just that, and is also pretty obvious, but is harder to get to than the main wall at River Rock. Approach as per River Rock but head back upstream on a vague trail across a fairly steep slope. Expect about 10 more minutes on the approach.

21 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at River Rock

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
More Classic Climbs in River Rock »

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