Makunaima Amphitheater Rock Climbing

Makunaima Amphitheater has a rich history of climbing and hosts the steepest and longest sport and traditional routes in the Santa Barbara area. The centerpiece route, Makunaima, is the traditional test piece in Santa Barbara and has a history of both top rope and lead accents dating back to the 1970s (see historical photos below). In the 1990s the area saw a revitalization from Steve Edwards, Phil Requist and others with many top ropes and linkups on the main Makunaima wall being established. In the modern COVID-era the crag has been further added to with most of the old top ropes being equipped for leading, and several all-new sport routes added, all bolted ground up on lead. The crag has shiny new hardware, all 1/2 inch stainless.

The main Makunaima Wall is rare for the greater Southern California area in that it receives nearly all-day shade. Additionally, the wall is so steep that rain rarely soaks the steepest routes. Of course, if the area receives over an inch of rain please avoid climbing until the rock is dry. The trail to the crag is short, but steep and loose. An approach trail map has been added to the Mountain Project database.

Please tread lightly and help preserve the backcountry-feel of this unique crag.