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Suggested Page Improvements to Rancheria Falls - Ice Climb
Getting There Suggestion
Take highway 168 from the Fresno area to Huntington Lake. One mile past the China Peak Resort, look for a gated road on the right. Elevation here is about 7100' or 7200'. Walk or ski up this road 1.25 miles to the Rancheria Falls trailhead. The trail to the falls is 0.8 miles, but is relatively level. The trail leads to a viewing area even with the base of the main falls. From the end of the trail stomp steps 15' up a steep slope, then follow an easy traverse to a large area at the base of the main falls.
[suggested additions:] To set up a toprope, if snow cover is thin scramble up the exposed and steep hillside immediately uphill from the end of the trail/viewpoint then descend down to the riverbed and anchors. In heavy snow cover (2-3') this approach is sketchy with snow hiding gaps between in boulders and increasing the potential of a fall; recommend back tracking on the trail 50' and heading up the hillside the top, traversing over the top of the boulders, then dropping down to the stream. This is longer but cleaner and faster in snowy conditions. See photo.
Descend via double rope rappel from the anchors and scramble up to the viewpoint (possible with lots of snow cover). [end suggested edits]
During the winter, all cars must carry chains on highway 168. However, Caltrans keeps the road clear of snow usually within a few days of any snowstorm. Typically chains will be required on your tires for only a day or two after each storm.
[suggested additions:] To set up a toprope, if snow cover is thin scramble up the exposed and steep hillside immediately uphill from the end of the trail/viewpoint then descend down to the riverbed and anchors. In heavy snow cover (2-3') this approach is sketchy with snow hiding gaps between in boulders and increasing the potential of a fall; recommend back tracking on the trail 50' and heading up the hillside the top, traversing over the top of the boulders, then dropping down to the stream. This is longer but cleaner and faster in snowy conditions. See photo.
Descend via double rope rappel from the anchors and scramble up to the viewpoint (possible with lots of snow cover). [end suggested edits]
During the winter, all cars must carry chains on highway 168. However, Caltrans keeps the road clear of snow usually within a few days of any snowstorm. Typically chains will be required on your tires for only a day or two after each storm.
