Cliff Drive Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 2,175 ft |
GPS: |
47.64739, -117.41954 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 29,834 total · 165/month |
Shared By: | Scott Coldiron on Jun 20, 2009 · Updates |
Admins: | Jon Nelson, Micah Klesick, Zachary Winters |
Description
Cliff drive is a basalt crag, formed by cooling lava with less than 53% silicon. The lower amount of silicon allows the lava to flow great distances from its source. This dark igneous rock offers a very different climbing experience than the granite typical of the Northwest. Even though the climbs here are short o the city center, and the view from the top of the crag through the trees is beautiful. The Spokane vista spreads out behind you as you climb. This location also offers the perfect climbing experience for the 9 to 5 worker who can't spend the time to drive a long distance to climb after work. The approach from your car is anywhere between 15ft to 100ft in flip-flops.
There are 18 bolted climbs ranging from 5.6 to 5.11, with a healthy concentration of nines and tens. Six quick draws are about all you need to lead these climbs, but if you prefer to top-rope almost every anchor is easy and safe to reach.
The main wall is a few hundred feet West of the popular City Overlook (look for the trail down by the No Parking sign). Just downhill from here is another wall with 3 enjoyable, beginner-friendly slab climbs. The rest of the climbs are scattered to the West of the main wall.
There are 18 bolted climbs ranging from 5.6 to 5.11, with a healthy concentration of nines and tens. Six quick draws are about all you need to lead these climbs, but if you prefer to top-rope almost every anchor is easy and safe to reach.
The main wall is a few hundred feet West of the popular City Overlook (look for the trail down by the No Parking sign). Just downhill from here is another wall with 3 enjoyable, beginner-friendly slab climbs. The rest of the climbs are scattered to the West of the main wall.
Getting There
From downtown take Stevens St. South. As you drive up the hill stay to your right, toward Bernard St. After the road splits, you'll go under a bridge, which is Cliff Dr. (your objective). Take the next right on Sumner St., drive 1 block then another right on Stevens St. Drive 1 block, turn left on Cliff Dr. and park at the Pioneer Park pullout. Walk west for about 350 ft. to the no parking sign. You are now directly above the crag, look for an obvious steep path in a cleft between the rocks. Turn to your right. You're at the main wall.
Classic Climbing Routes at Cliff Drive
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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