Lower Walls Rock Climbing

Parking at Donation Rocks is at the two pull-offs only (see the poster on the main page photos). NO PARKING is permitted anywhere else along the road.

The Lower Wall is the first thing you see as you come up the road. It’s a huge buttress of rock coming out of the hillside with sharp 30ft high vertical arêtes like the prows of two grand ships running side by side. On top and back 10 ft is another massive buttress of stone rising another 15ft. That feature is where all the top rope anchors are and makes for an interesting setup. For climbs on the Front Walls, your rope goes down and out 10ft then over the edge of the lower section and down. It creates some drag and when the climber tops the lower part and proceeds to climb the upper part, the belayer loses visual. Because of these two factors many people choose to stop and be lowered at the top of the lower section. For routes on either side of the buttress, those anchors are well placed giving a seamless 45 ft climb with no drag and good eyes on the climber.

September 2019 saw the very first sport line at Donation and it’s here at the Lower Wall! It’s a line called Triple Play because it services three possible routes, each offering a different experience. Right around the corner is the second bolted line and is totally designed for the beginner sport climber - a casual 5.6 with great stances and easily reached bolts.

You got it all at the Lower Wall! From 5.6 to12s, arête climbs, face climbs, gully climbs, lay backs, overhangs (one of which is sick and will test your metal and endurance), bomber holds, and tiny finger tip crimps all on the same beautiful buttress - a great crag to say “Welcome to Donation Rocks”!