Monthly Archives: July 2010

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing Southern California

Idyllwild Camp Granite

Rock Climbing in SoCal is limited to the awesome southern deserts with boulders, boulders & yep, more boulders. Joshua Tree is well known, but Mojave deserts boulders have much to offer, with less crowds. Meaning you’ll get more on exploring new routes, off the beaten path.

Bishop in the Eastern Sierra has the Buttermilks, but we wanna cover stuff further south for climbers. Numerous crags and peaks can be found in the mountain regions of San Diego. Many destinations are also great camp spots.

Good granite is hard to come by & big granite walls are non-existent down south. The most popular piece of Southern California granite among climbers is that of Tahquitz Peak in Idyllwild CA

Big Bear Lake

  • Bouldering @ various places

    • Idyllwild Rock Climbing

  • Tahquitz Peak in San Jacinto Wilderness: Tahquitz Peak Lookout stands at 8846′ elevation, towering above the pine village of touristy shops & cafes below. It’s a small slice of the Sierra Nevada (fabulous blue granite feeling) in SoCal & the rock climbers love it. Humber Park is at the base of the peak. The park is a family & tourist destination, especially during snow days. Paved parking lot is at the very top of the neighborhood, a well signed route. Follow the brown “Humber Park” signs. Hmmm, now is that ta-keets, ta-quits? Just ask a local – who grew up in Idyllwild.

    • Tahquitz Peak

    San Diego County climbing destinations:

    Army Rock
    Beirut
    Bonita
    Carlsbad Boulders
    Culp Valley
    Descanso Wall
    Dixon Lake
    El Cajon Mountain
    McCain Valley
    Mission Gorge
    Mt Everest
    Mt. Helix
    Mt. Woodson
    Otay Lakes
    Poway Crags
    Rock Mountain
    Santee Boulders
    Stonewall Peak
    Valley of the Moon

    For more on California rock climbing places, check out a few of our favorites resources:

    CA Rock Climbing Instruction

    Rock Climbing Ratings

    Rock Climbing Local Links

    California Rockclimbing.com

    Southern California rock climbing areas:

  • Idyllwild
  • Joshua Tree NP
  • Mojave NP

    • Southern California Maps that may be relevant:

    Eco, Events, Expo, January

    Go Green Expo

    The Go Green Expo will change not only the public’s perception of environmentalism (but also how events like this are produced and managed). Inviting companies large and small to showcase what they are doing to reduce their respective carbon footprint, consumers will have hands on experiences with “eco-friendly” alternatives to current everyday products and services.

    Annual Events in L.A.

    Business-to-Business & Business-to-Consumer Expo

    LOS ANGELES, CA

    www.gogreenexpo.com

    Back Roads, Off Road

    4×4 Rock Crawling

    poppin

    Rock Crawling has gained massive exposure in the two last decade with new suspensions, after market part for nicer rigs & of course, the main stream media. Red Bull, Skyjacker & other corporate sponsors have dug their hands into this new sport & the profits.

    Crawlin’ is the off road hobby of wheelin’ well built rigs over the rocky terrain and obstacles, instead of around it. Sandstone walls, granite boulders of the High Sierra, hand made “rock gardens” in the Mojave, practice runs @ the local OHV parks.

    Breaking things is the norm in this game. Expect this past time addiction to cost a bundle – on auto parts & on your free time. On the trail repairs are common, so go prepared w/ your tools, overnight gear & your crawling buddies (as back up).

    From the adventure lands of Moab, Utah to the Mojave Desert of SoCal, rock crawling is not about speed, but all about the delicately chosen lines & slowness. The technique, the rigs & preferably no body damage. Just get rid of the body!

    How slow can you go? How high can you handle?

    Popular rock crawling areas around the Southwest U.S. –

    California OHV Trail Maps

    OHV Routes, Motorcross & ATV Maps

    local boys Los Padres