Backcountry rock climbing?
|
|
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. |
|
|
Get your hands on Peter Croft's The Good, the Great, and the Awesome for classic high Sierra backcountry routes: |
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
These are amazing suggestions! Keep em coming! Also, anybody know of any around the Bay Area? |
|
|
The Sierra. End of discussion. :) |
|
|
Thanks Frank! Any particular suggestions of trails or crags? |
|
|
Nothing around the Bay Area. |
|
|
Um, pretty much every single backpacking trip you can imagine in the Sierras has climbing present. Bouldering if nothing else to 2000'++ walls. |
|
|
Oh I also recommend checking out Lassen Natl Park. Surprisingly dense with climbing but it is out there! |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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! |
|
|
Tons of good backcountry rock climbing to be had in Sequoia and Kings canyon NP’s. Look up Angels Wings on MP |
|
|
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. |
|
|
Thanks for these suggestions! |
|
|
I second what was previously mentioned-- The Good, the Great, The Awesome is 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. |





