Winter Means SEND TEMPS for Day Trips in SoCal - Sender One Climbing

Tomorrow marks the official start of winter! You know what that means: SEND TEMPS.  Here in sunny California, most of our climbing destinations are snow-free. Here, we'll outline some of our local day-trip spots for the weekend craggers looking to send projects all season long! This post is aimed towards newer climbers. Comment on our Facebook page if you've got any other recommendations!

NOTE: If you are new to climbing outdoors, please be sure to read all access notices, stay on posted trails, and be stewards to wherever you are climbing to keep areas open and clean for all. Click here to read Access Fund's useful outdoor etiquette guide

 

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK (map)

Joshua Tree

The hauntingly beautiful blobs of rock that pepper Joshua Tree's alien landscape are tougher on the skin than you think. If you've never been, a bit of hand salve might be a good idea to pack and climbing tape is a must if you're planning to jam your hands into the crocodile-toothed cracks.

Beta: You can squeeze out a solid day of climbing by parking in the Hidden Valley day use lot. Climb at Intersection rock or cross the road to Real Hidden Valley for some short but sweet rope climbing. Boulderers can warm up on the False Hueco Traverse (v2) before playing on the fun Roof Romp (v4).

Drive time: 2+ hrs
Guidebook: Joshua Tree Bouldering
Camping: $10+/night (Varies depending on site)

 

MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK (map)

malibu

Photo by Justin Kenderes. Courtesy of Mountain Project

You can climb beachside at Point Dume, but Malibu Creek State Park is worth the long approach for a full day of climbing.

Beta: Here's Mountain Project's parking beta: "There is a $12 fee for parking within the Park, but a free alternative exists by turning right (west) on Mulholland Hwy from Las Virgenes Road and parking on either side of the highway where the Grasslands Trail cuts through the Park." For climbing, check out the Planet of the Apes wall. 

Drive time: 1hr 15 min
Guidebook: Sport Climbing in the Santa Monicas

 

STONEY POINT (map)

Photo by Michael Reardon. Courtesy of Mountain Project

Photo by Michael Reardon. Courtesy of Mountain Project

Climb at Stoney Point and you're bound to run into some of the legends of old who continue to climb to this day.  It's covered in graffiti, but the climbing is fun nonetheless.

Beta: Park along the east side of Topanga Canyon blvd. then walk down to the boulders. Guidebooks are available, but Mountain Project will get you around just fine.

Drive time: 1hr 15 min

 

RIVERSIDE QUARRY (map)

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The Quarry is a dynamite blasted playground where helmets are a must (ignore the picture above). Though the rock is high quality, quarrying operations made loose little to large pieces that can come down without warning. It's private property so please respect the rules!

Beta: Parking is free and there's a long road on Sierra Ave. where climbers can leave their cars. Walk toward the obvious crag up ahead and try Tangerine Dream .10d (climbs the obvious orange streak).

Drive time: 45 minutes
Guidebook: Climber's Guide: Riverside Quarry Edition

 

MT. RUBIDOUX (map)

mt rubidoux

Mt. Rubidoux is where many SoCal climbing legends messed around before most of us knew how to walk. It's got plenty of quartz-monzonite to play on before ending the day at Asahi Sushi for all-you-can-eat raw fish goodness. It might even be worth skipping Rubidoux and heading straight to Asahi.

Beta: Enter a suburban area and park along the road near the entrance. You'll be walking up a cemented incline and you'll start seeing climbable boulders soon enough. There's a bridge you can climb for the heck of it.

Drive time: 45 minutes
Guidebook: Mountain Project

 

PIRATE'S COVE, CORONA DEL MAR STATE BEACH (map)

cove

Photo courtesy of Mountain Project

You don't get the best climbing here, but you do get a killer sunset. And, it's close to Sender! This beach is quite popular among folks unacquainted with outdoor etiquette so be an example and pack out your trash. Heck, maybe even pick up a bottle or two.

Beta: There's plenty of street parking available along the neighborhoods. It's a 5 minute walk down some stairs and to the right where you'll see an obvious formation. Go up and over that to a "secret" beach everyone knows about and yard down on Iron Man (v3). Come in the afternoon after the rock had time to dry out and stay for the sunset. Do NOT use a wire brush or rough bristled brush to clean holds! You'll eat into the rock and ruin it for everyone!

Drive time: 15 minutes
Guidebook: None (Topo available on Mountain Project)

 

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