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Kerckhoff Dome Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Kerckhoff Dome

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Centerfold T 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b

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Elevation:	6,009 ft	1,832 m
GPS:	37.20935, -119.23271 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	2,888 total · 38/month
Shared By:	Brian Prince on Oct 8, 2018
Admins:	Cory B, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

Just another awesome westside Sierra dome. Kerckhoff, sometimes spelled Kerkhoff (not sure which is correct), was an old-timer involved in the big creek hydroelectric project. The dome sits below Huntington Lake and above the Southern California Edison community of Big Creek. It's got fairly large (maybe 800ft. at the tallest) south and east faces. Lots of aid routes interestingly enough. The steep nature lends itself to this I suppose. There are a couple free ones, as well as some decent cragging along the base. Climbing is best done in the spring and fall, or even winter if there is not much snow, as the place can cook.

Getting There

Basically, drive to the town of Big Creek, CA.

More specifically, go through the town of Shaver Lake on highway 168 and eventually pass the actual lake. Pretty soon after, take a left on Huntington Lake rd. After 8 miles or so, you'll start to get glimpses of the thing and will be entering the town of Big Creek.

Park after a bridge directly underneath the dome. You should see the penstocks (huge silver pipes) leading up the hill. Hike up the railroad trestle next to the pipes for maybe 20 minutes (stairmaster). Eventually there will be a white hand-line laying down which is actually quite useful. When you get to the end of this, go a bit further then cut right onto a rock ridge/slabby area. Hopefully, from here, you'll find some cairns that take you to the base of the dome.