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Elevation: 4,400 ft 1,341 m
GPS: 37.41601, -118.43994
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 1,153,370 total · 5,048/month
Shared By: AWinters on Jan 22, 2008
Admins: Aron Quiter, Euan Cameron, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes, Salamanizer Ski

Description Suggest change

Just north of Bishop, the floor of the Owens Valley rises abruptly forming a 300 foot-high volcanic plateau that runs for miles from east to west, stretching north to the higher Sherwin Plateau. Along the southern rim, numerous canyons and washes containing thousands of boulders can be found slicing into and through the plateau - including the two that make up the Happy and Sad bouldering areas. Dozens of other rises and rock bands are scattered throughtout to quench the explorer's thirst.

Pack out ALL trash, control your dogs, and avoid ALL plants and vegetation! They are disappearing rapidly in these areas due to heavy foot traffic! Please let them grow.

 Avoid ALL physical contact with Petroglyphs


This area is often referred to as 'The Mesa' to locals...

Getting There Suggest change

From US 395 in Bishop, take US 6 north out of town towards Benton/Chalfant/Tonopah. After 1.3 miles, turn left on Five Bridges Rd. Follow this down the straightaway around the left-hand curve, past the Aggregate Plant to a 4-way intersection where the pavement turns to dirt. Take a left on Chalk Bluff Rd. for the Happy and Sad Boulders.

790 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Volcanic Tablelands (Happy/Sad Boulders) Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Volcanic Tablelands (Happy/Sad Boulders)

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V0 4 PG13
 168
● The Pursuit of Wow
Boulder
V0 4
 315
● China Doll
Boulder
V1 5 PG13
 806
● Heavenly Path
Boulder
V3 6A R
 186
● Black Magic
Boulder
V4 6B
 558
● Ketron Classic
Boulder
V4 6B
 331
● The Fang
Boulder
V5 6C
 479
● Serengeti
Boulder
V5 6C
 199
● Strength in Numbers (Original SIN)
Boulder
V5 6C
 254
● Molly
Boulder
V6 7A
 401
● The Hulk
Boulder
V6 7A R
 102
● Atari
Boulder
V6 7A PG13
 165
● Mister Witty
Boulder
V6 7A
 206
● Every Color You Are
Boulder
V6 7A
 111
● French Press
Boulder
V7+ 7A+
 86
● Morning Dove White
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● The Pursuit of Wow Happy Boulders > Tom Peter's Sla… > Tom Peter's Slab
 168
V0 4 PG13 Boulder
● China Doll Sad Boulders > Molly Area
 315
V0 4 Boulder
● Heavenly Path Happy Boulders > Central Happine… > Heavenly Path Boulder
 806
V1 5 PG13 Boulder
● Black Magic Happy Boulders > … > Blood Simple Area > Black Magic Boulder
 186
V3 6A R Boulder
● Ketron Classic Happy Boulders > Savannah Area > Savannah Boulder
 558
V4 6B Boulder
● The Fang Sad Boulders > Sad Parrot Area > Bird Cage Boulder
 331
V4 6B Boulder
● Serengeti Happy Boulders > Serengeti Area > Serengeti Boulder
 479
V5 6C Boulder
● Strength in Numbers (Origin… Sad Boulders > Strength in Num… > Strength in Numbers
 199
V5 6C Boulder
● Molly Sad Boulders > Molly Area
 254
V5 6C Boulder
● The Hulk Happy Boulders > Central Happine… > Happy Boulder
 401
V6 7A Boulder
● Atari Happy Boulders > E Rim Area > Atari Area
 102
V6 7A R Boulder
● Mister Witty Happy Boulders > W Rim Area > Desert Skies/Morning…
 165
V6 7A PG13 Boulder
● Every Color You Are Happy Boulders > W Rim Area > Desert Skies/Morning…
 206
V6 7A Boulder
● French Press Sad Boulders > Misery Area > Misery Cave
 111
V6 7A Boulder
● Morning Dove White Happy Boulders > W Rim Area > Desert Skies/Morning…
 86
V7+ 7A+ Boulder
More Classic Climbs in Volcanic Tablelands (Happy/Sad Boulders) »

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