Newer boulderer visiting Bay Area in January

Hey folks,

I am a newer climber (started earlier this year) and am going to be visiting the bay area in early January (10-14th) to do an interview at Berkeley. I am excited to do some climbing while I'm there and am looking for climbing partners/local tips on good places to go as a newer climber. At my gym in Asheville, NC, I climb V2/V3s easily and project V4s. I am not used to the rocks out West at all so I'm a little concerned about where to go. Any advice is much appreciated!

Jacob

Jacob Secor wrote:

Hey folks,

I am a newer climber (started earlier this year) and am going to be visiting the bay area in early January (10-14th) to do an interview at Berkeley. I am excited to do some climbing while I'm there and am looking for climbing partners/local tips on good places to go as a newer climber. At my gym in Asheville, NC, I climb V2/V3s easily and project V4s. I am not used to the rocks out West at all so I'm a little concerned about where to go. Any advice is much appreciated!

Jacob

Pick up Jim Thornburg's guide to the Bay Area is one place to start.

Indian/Mortar rock in Berkeley and Castle Rock all the way out near Saratoga are worthy bouldering spots (I especially like Castle Rock).  You'll likely find the grades stiff, but there's lots of moderates.  Saratoga is a great place to see exotic cars, the traffic getting there is often hilarious.

split/turtle rock in Tiburon and nut tree boulders in Vacaville if you can travel.