Hummingbird Rock Rock Climbing

Hummingbird Rock is an all sport-bolted crag that features enjoyable sandstone patina face climbing in a highly scenic location. Bolted for climbers that are breaking into these grades, the routes are easily approachable and safe with modern stainless hardware. Its one of the few cliffs in Santa Barbara where you get the full pano view from the Santa Monicas to Pt. Conception. Cooler days will be the best time to check out the routes as the cliff is south facing and gets sun after around 10-11am until sunset.

I started developing the rock in December 2022 while reeling from the passing of my mother the month before. While she fought her terminal illness she had always told me she wanted to visit and keep watch over me in Hummingbird form. Judging by the amount of Hummingbirds enjoying the flowers she was there with me the whole time.

The Rock itself is a sub-cliff of the greater Flores Peak massif. While exploring the area I found evidence of prior ascents on adjacent cliffs (typically top anchors with a rusted mechanical bolt and another eyebolt glue in). Hummingbird itself seemed untouched, with no top anchors or any evidence of prior ascents. Judging by how easy (and how much) the outer patina came off on all of the routes, I believe these are first ascents.