Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: 6,873 ft
GPS: 36.06681, -118.52882
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 106,608 total · 493/month
Shared By: Josh Janes on Jun 18, 2006
Admins: Cory B, Matthew Fienup, Muscrat, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes

Description Suggest change

Dome Rock is a fantastic crag that is in close proximity to the Needles themselves. For me, it served as my introduction to the area -- I spent two days climbing and lustily taking in the breathtaking views of the Needles themselves before climbing there. I highly recommend spending time at Dome Rock during any extended trip to the Needles.

Climbing at Dome Rock is quite varied but is generally vertical to sub-vertical routes of 1 to 4 pitches. There are crack systems and slabs, but one of the most amazing features of this rock are the incredible chickenheads and knobs. Classics include the Tree Route (5.6), Anti-Jello Crack (5.10a), Windjammer (5.10 R), Tobin's Dihedral (5.10+) and Between Nothingness and Eternity (5.11a).

Dome Rock has its own, ultra-convenient camping, and is often host to the annual Southern Sierra Climbers' meeting. Be warned that this is a popular destination for tourists as the summit (former site of a Forest Service Helipad) is an easy walk from the road, and there is the potential for rocks to be thrown or dislodged down the face from above.

Getting There Suggest change

From the junction of FS-21S05 (the access road into the Needles) and CR-107, head south 3 miles and turn east on FS-21S69. This road takes you past campsites and almost to the summit of Dome Rock itself. Most climbs are approached by scrambling down from a point near the summit to the (skier's) left. It is possible to rap in from the summit with double ropes.

24 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Dome Rock Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Dome Rock

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 258
Tree Route
Trad 4 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 15
[Redacted]
Trad 3 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 29
Left Crack
Trad 3 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13
 26
Direct Anti-Jello Crack
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a PG13
 8
Close To The Edge
Trad, Sport 3 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 8
Handycraft
TR
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 128
Anti-Jello Crack
Trad 4 pitches
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b PG13
 10
Saucer Full of Secrets
Trad 3 pitches
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b R
 16
Windjammer
Trad 3 pitches
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13
 16
Red Mushrooms
Trad 3 pitches
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
 30
Tobin's Dihedral
Trad 3 pitches
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c PG13
 16
Between Nothingness and Eternity
Sport 3 pitches
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c PG13
 8
Just Barely
Trad, Sport
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a PG13
 4
The Good Samaritan
Trad
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a
 15
Vicious
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Tree Route
 258
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad 4 pitches
[Redacted]
 15
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 3 pitches
Left Crack
 29
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 3 pitches
Direct Anti-Jello Crack
 26
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13 Trad
Close To The Edge
 8
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a PG13 Trad, Sport 3 pitches
Handycraft
 8
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a TR
Anti-Jello Crack
 128
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad 4 pitches
Saucer Full of Secrets
 10
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b PG13 Trad 3 pitches
Windjammer
 16
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b R Trad 3 pitches
Red Mushrooms
 16
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13 Trad 3 pitches
Tobin's Dihedral
 30
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b Trad 3 pitches
Between Nothingness and Ete…
 16
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c PG13 Sport 3 pitches
Just Barely
 8
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c PG13 Trad, Sport
The Good Samaritan
 4
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a PG13 Trad
Vicious
 15
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a Trad
More Classic Climbs in Dome Rock »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Photos

loading