Grand Lake Reserve Climbing

The Grand Lake Reserve is always open to the public, however there is a set of trail closures during hunting season (per deed access for the previous owner). What does this mean for climbing on the property? Well, it means that some of the current approaches on designated trails are closed from October 20th - December 10th. This is an unfortunate and difficult time to have a closure since it is prime climbing season, however there are some work arounds. For more information, look at the "Central Valley - Alternate Approach" Section for this seasonal closure.

To be clear, during the seasonal closure, the property itself is not closed. Only the designated trails. There is an alternate seasonal approach (and a pretty good alternative during the rest of the year too), that involves an old trucking road that has been recently cleared and manicured. This approach is shorter, more direct, and has less elevation change, but only applies to certain zones. It is faster for some of these zones, and slower for others. A quick breakdown below will explain the areas this can get you to.

Accessible:
- The First Overlook (all zones)
- Forager's Path (all zones)
- Second Overlook (all zones)
- Backstreet Boulders
- The In Between - Avoid travel on trail

Not Accessible: 
- The Bowling Alley - Located On Closed Trail
- The Fairyland Wall - Accessed only via closed trail
- Hidden Valley - Accessed only via closed trail
- Roadside for Dummies - Accessed only via closed Trail
- Vile Boulder - Located on closed Trail

Zones Not Affected by Closure or Alternate Approach:
- Dam Ridge Boulders
- Lakeside
- Marshy Waters
- Seaside
- Starry Night
- The Boondocks

Details of Alternate Approach:
Park at the Lot 1 (sacrilege, I know). Walk downhill towards the second lot (and the large house on the hill). As the road goes flat and takes a hard left, a gate will appear on the right side. There is an old logging/hunting road behind the gate. Take this old roadbed. After 2-10 minutes (depending on the zone), boulders and cliffs will appear on the left hand (North) side of the road. The rocks are separated by a small marsh. Cross this marsh (wet feet possible!) and find the specific cliffs or boulders you are searching for. The first zone you should find will contain The "Vlad" projects, "Tiny Dancer", and (slightly uphill) "The Shrew".

This place, especially in the grassy fields near the cliffs, is a safe haven for ticks of all stages. If you bring a dog, check your dog thoroughly. Check yourself and your friends too. These guys are everywhere, so if your shoe touched grass,  assume you have one.

*update* In recent years this has become even worse and the main tick season is starting even earlier. Please be aware!

The area is mossy, damp, and lichen covered. There are, however, plenty of boulders with generally clean rock, where only a light dusting is necessary. In areas off trail, cleaning can be a bit more liberal, but boulders on trail should not have chalk or noticeable cleaning on them. Evidence of climbing should be kept to a minimum wherever possible. We are guests on this preserve, and many unique flora and fauna call this region home. It's not uncommon to find rare and endemic ferns, lichens, and mosses on these cliffs, so be cautious before you brush anything!