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Backcountry rock climbing?

Original Post
Aleks Mekendorfer · · Seattle, WA · Joined Jul 2018 · Points: 0

I'm looking to plan some multi-day trips this spring and summer with a mix of hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Does anyone know of good backcountry rock climbing in Northern California? Most of the crags I know are very much ON the beaten path, if not right on the road. Trad, sport, toprope suggestions all are welcome.
In short, what are some cool places to hike in, camp, and then go climbing?

Thanks for your suggestions!

Jared M · · Louisville / Boulder CO · Joined Sep 2015 · Points: 141

Get your hands on Peter Croft's The Good, the Great, and the Awesome​ for classic high Sierra backcountry routes:

http://maximuspress.com/shop/proddetail.php?prod=GGA

Matthias Holladay · · On the Road...Looking for a… · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 7,545

Northern California: Trinity Alps or Castle Crags

J P · · Portland, OR · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 545

I've had my eyes this summer on a trip up to the Marble Mountains. Evan Wisherhopp checked it out last summer and has some beta on it. If I'm recollecting correctly, it's a choss pile but it's got adventure out the ass.

Aleks Mekendorfer · · Seattle, WA · Joined Jul 2018 · Points: 0

These are amazing suggestions! Keep em coming! Also, anybody know of any around the Bay Area?

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

The Sierra. End of discussion. :)

Aleks Mekendorfer · · Seattle, WA · Joined Jul 2018 · Points: 0

Thanks Frank! Any particular suggestions of trails or crags?

splitclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 29

Nothing around the Bay Area.

Frank, bless his heart, may just refer you back to Jared's post. :)

But, if you gave us more info about your abilities and type of routes you're looking for, I'm sure many will chime in with suggestions.

If you're looking to backpack and climb "crags", you may not find much.  If you want to climb backcountry routes, there are endless potential routes in the Sierra.

Harumpfster Boondoggle · · Between yesterday and today. · Joined Apr 2018 · Points: 148

Um, pretty much every single backpacking trip you can imagine in the Sierras has climbing present. Bouldering if nothing else to 2000'++ walls.

J P · · Portland, OR · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 545

Oh I also recommend checking out Lassen Natl Park. Surprisingly dense with climbing but it is out there!

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276
Alex McInturff wrote: Thanks Frank! Any particular suggestions of trails or crags?

There are numerous guidebooks available for the Sierra, as well as Mountain Project. You may be forced to do a little research on your own and make a decision. I'm partial to the eastern Sierra.

Get Supertopo's High Sierra book, Croft's book and Secor's book for many years of backcountry Sierra climbs.

Aleks Mekendorfer · · Seattle, WA · Joined Jul 2018 · Points: 0

Just grabbed a copy of Croft's book, excited to dig in! I'm certainly keen to do my own research, and this thread is providing a great set of resources for that. That said, if anyone has specific cliffs off the beaten path they are particularly fond of, I'd love to hear more thoughts!
To answer splitclimber, I'm most excited for trad climbing in the backcountry - single or multipitch, lead or TR, up to 5.11+

Christian Black · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Mar 2016 · Points: 390

Tons of good backcountry rock climbing to be had in Sequoia and Kings canyon NP’s. Look up Angels Wings on MP

C J · · Sac Valley, CA · Joined Jun 2017 · Points: 0

Since you're based in Bay Area, maybe a copy of California Road Trip: A Climber's Guide Northern California should be a purchase of utility.

Aleks Mekendorfer · · Seattle, WA · Joined Jul 2018 · Points: 0

Thanks for these suggestions!

David S · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 659

I second what was previously mentioned-- The Good, the Great, The Awesomis the book of dreams for backcountry climbing in the Lower 48. Be sure to read all of Croft's amusing anecdotes. It will give you the mana to sustain your climbing urge for many summers and autumns (and through many winters and springs) to come.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
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