Sport climbing has rapidly become one of the most popular aspects of climbing and many people are making the transition from gym style climbing to the outdoors. The Owens Valley has a wealth of different locations and rock types to choose from with climbs at all levels of difficulty making it an ideal place to take a climbing vacation.
Locations
The large number of sport climbing crags in the area make it possible to climb in a different location and on a different rock type each day. However, we will endeavor to be flexible and take into account the weather conditions, other climbers and your personal desires in choosing the day’s itinerary.
The best places will be:
The Owens Gorge. With over 600 routes this area has a tremendous concentration of climbs on andesite and welded tuff rock types. Routes here start in at 5.6 and in contrast to many other sport areas the greatest concentration of climbs is at the 5.10 level. The Gorge is at low elevation and can be a hot place during summer.
Rock Creek. At 8,000 feet in the Sierra the Rock Creek area offers wonderful granite bolted routes. The climbing is varied requiring a repertoire of skills and techniques. Surrounded by aspen groves this is a beautiful locale during the month of fall.Routes here start at 5.9 and go upwards.
Clark Canyon. Situated in the Jeffrey Pine forest east of Mammoth this offers steep, short climbs on pocketed tuff and some cracks. It is a lot cooler than the low elevation crags in mid-summer. There is range of climbs from 5.6 upwards.
Instructors
Our guides are American Mountain Guides Association trained so you can expect the highest level of climbing and safety knowledge combined with solid instructional skills and professionalism.
Equipment Required
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for warm or cold, wet or dry weather, a sack lunch, sunscreen, sun hat, 2 quarts water, snacks, camera and film, and a daypack to carry it all.
Notes
We highly recommend that you spend at least one night at moderate altitude (higher than 8,000′) just prior to the trip. Spending a night in Mammoth would do the trick. Please refer to our Planning for Success info sheet for more info.