Seasonal
Angeles Crest · Top-rope, Trad
Horse Flats
Pine-shaded granite high in the San Gabriels. A summer escape from Valley heat.
- Rock
- Granite
- Grades
- 5.5–5.12
- Drive
- 1 hr 15 min
Photo: Summit Hopper (CC BY 2.0)
Seasonal
October–April (too hot in summer)
This is a mountain crag, so we only run trips here in season (October–April). Roads and trails can close for snow, storms or fire, so we check the land manager's alerts before every trip.
A huge, friendly granite slab above Lake Perris. The best beginner granite in the Inland Empire.
About Big Rock, Lake Perris
Big Rock is a sweeping granite slab rising above the shore of Lake Perris, and it has been a Southern California teaching crag for generations. Low-angle slab climbing is all about balance and footwork rather than arm strength, so it is wonderfully approachable for first-timers and kids.
There are dozens of routes in the 5.5–5.9 range, many with bolted anchors that were upgraded to stainless steel by local climbers and the Access Fund in 2018. Climb in the morning shade, then cool off with a view of the lake.
Highlights
- Lots of 5.5–5.9 slab routes
- Stainless-steel anchors, upgraded in 2018
- Short, paved approach with restrooms nearby
- Morning shade
Good for
- First-timers
- Kids & families
- Footwork & technique
- Half days
Classic easier routes
The Trough (5.5), African Flake (5.6), Welcome to Big Rock (5.7), Pudnurtle (5.8)
Your guide picks routes on the day to suit your group, the conditions and how busy the walls are.
Access and permits
- Access
- State recreation area day-use fee per vehicle (we cover one carpool vehicle). The slab gets full sun in the afternoon and summer is very hot, so we climb here October through April.
- Permits
- California State Parks requires a permit for any commercial activity in the recreation area.
Sources and further reading
Access changes often, with fires, storms and closures all common. Check the land manager's alerts before you go.
Keep exploring
Other crags
Seasonal
Seasonal
Idyllwild · Top-rope, Trad, Multi-pitch
Suicide Rock
Silver granite slabs in the pines above Idyllwild. A cool summer escape and a classic SoCal classroom.
- Rock
- Granite
- Grades
- 5.1–5.13
- Drive
- 2 hr 15 min
By request
Idyllwild · Trad, Multi-pitch
Tahquitz Rock
The 1,000-foot granite tower where the American climbing grade system was born.
- Rock
- Granite
- Grades
- 5.4–5.12
- Drive
- 2 hr 15 min