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Elevation: 4,500 ft
GPS: 39.31876, -120.65678
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 590,114 total · 2,260/month
Shared By: Aron Quiter on Oct 7, 2002 · Updates
Admins: Ky Bishop, Aron Quiter, Lurk Er, Colby Wangler, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: No overnight camping on PG&E property DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

A once quiet sport crag in a beautiful mountain setting that has since seen a large influx of climbers. The best seasons to climb at the Emeralds are spring and fall, due to the relatively low elevation, compared to other crags in the Tahoe region. However, many of the climbs in the Benches section are westerly to northerly facing so it's possible to chase shade for much of the day in the hotter months. 

The Emeralds are on a mix of PG&E (Pacfic Gas and Electric) and Tahoe National Forest land. The exact boundaries aren't easy to see on the ground. Dispersed or primitive camping is permitted in many areas of the national forests, but since specifics change frequently, contact Tahoe NF for more information before setting up camp, and as always, make an effort to leave no trace. Established campgrounds are also available in the national forest along Bowman Lake Road, and just upstream at PG&E's Lake Spaulding campground.

Getting There Suggest change

This page's location shows the usual parking area. Here are driving directions there:

* From I-80, exit onto Highway 20 and drive four miles toward Nevada City.

* After 3.5 miles, turn north onto Bowman Lake Road (forest service road 18) and drive for 1.3 miles. Have no fear, this section of the road is all paved.

* Just before the bridge that crosses the Yuba River, there is a dirt access road. It is now gated and locked, so park across the bridge, then continue on foot.  Bathrooms have been installed at main parking area.

For an overview map of walking directions to the climbing areas, with GPS coordinates, see the Emeralds Guide page 1 thru 6 below in the Photos.

237 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: The Emeralds Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at The Emeralds

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 103
Cast In Stone
Sport 2 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 216
Push To Open
Sport
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 341
Step Into The Light
Sport
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 147
Where's The Beef
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 193
Charlee And The Stick Factory
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 181
Super Size Me
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 39
Welcome To Thunderdome
Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 81
In And Out Urge
Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 143
Duppy Conqueror
Sport
5.11c/d 7a 24 VIII 25 E4 6a
 34
Twice Cooked Whopper
Sport
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 76
Radio Static
Sport
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 28
Fries With That Mantle
Sport
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 82
Steel Monkey
Sport
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 13
Toby Tops Out
Sport
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 15
Green Ice
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Cast In Stone Benches > Negativity Cave
 103
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport 2 pitches
Push To Open Benches > Dollar Store
 216
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Step Into The Light Benches > Kudos Cliff > Kudos Left
 341
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport
Where's The Beef Benches > Fast Food Wall
 147
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport
Charlee And The Stick Factory Benches > Fortress
 193
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
Super Size Me Benches > Fast Food Wall
 181
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
Welcome To Thunderdome Benches > Thunderdome
 39
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
In And Out Urge Benches > Fast Food Wall
 81
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
Duppy Conqueror Benches > Kudos Cliff > Kudos Left
 143
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
Twice Cooked Whopper Benches > Fast Food Wall
 34
5.11c/d 7a 24 VIII 25 E4 6a Sport
Radio Static Steel Monkey Wall
 76
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport
Fries With That Mantle Benches > Fast Food Wall
 28
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport
Steel Monkey Steel Monkey Wall
 82
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport
Toby Tops Out Benches > Fortress
 13
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport
Green Ice Steel Monkey Wall
 15
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Sport
More Classic Climbs in The Emeralds »

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Photos

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