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The main sandstone formation at Stoney Point rising above green brush under a blue sky

San Fernando Valley

Stoney Point

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Photo: Coolcaesar (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The historic sandstone playground where LA climbers have learned the ropes for generations.

About Stoney Point

Stoney Point is LA climbing history: a jumble of honey-colored sandstone towers at the top of the San Fernando Valley where Royal Robbins, Yvon Chouinard and generations of Valley climbers got their start. Today it's the closest real top-rope crag to central LA, about 40 minutes from downtown with no entry fee.

The walls are short, the walks are shorter, and there are dozens of top-rope lines in the 5.4–5.9 range, which makes it perfect for first-timers, kids and half-day skills sessions. It isn't wilderness (you'll hear the 118 freeway and see some graffiti), but the rock is fun, the views over the Valley are great at golden hour, and it's the easiest outdoor climbing to fit into a busy week.

Highlights

  • Roadside access, minutes from the car
  • Lots of beginner-friendly 5.4–5.9 top-ropes
  • No park entry fee
  • Great for kids, families and short sessions

Good for

  • First-timers
  • Kids & families
  • Half days
  • Skills clinics

Classic easier routes

Nabisco Canyon's 5.7s (Chimney, East Wall Crack), Black's Crack (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
Open dawn to dusk, no fee. Sandstone is fragile when wet, so we don't climb here for several days after rain. Weekends can be busy at popular walls; weekdays and early starts are quieter.
Permits
Commercial use of a city park requires authorization from LA Recreation & Parks.

We only guide where we're authorized. We follow the land manager's rules on group size, closures and fire weather. If weather, fire danger or a closure means we have to cancel, you get a full refund or a free reschedule (see our cancellation policy).

Sources and further reading

Access changes often, with fires, storms and closures all common. Check the land manager's alerts before you go.

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