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
Photo: m01229 (CC BY-SA 2.0)
By request
Multi-pitch by request, best May–October
Multi-pitch days aren't on the booking calendar. We plan them with you directly, so get in touch to talk about dates and your climbing experience.
The 1,000-foot granite tower where the American climbing grade system was born.
About Tahquitz Rock
Tahquitz Rock (also known as Lily Rock) towers 1,000 feet above Idyllwild and holds a special place in American climbing. The Yosemite Decimal System, the 5.0–5.9 scale climbers across the country still use, was developed here by Sierra Club climbers in the 1950s, and its moderate multi-pitch classics are as good as anywhere.
Tahquitz isn't a top-rope crag: it's a serious, traditional multi-pitch venue with a steep approach. We guide it by request for fit climbers who can comfortably follow 5.6–5.8, at a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio. Climbing a classic like The Trough or Fingertrip to the summit is an unforgettable day.
Highlights
- Historic multi-pitch granite up to 1,000 feet
- Birthplace of the Yosemite Decimal System
- 1:1 or 1:2 guide ratio
- Alpine feel just over two hours from LA
Good for
- Multi-pitch
- Experienced climbers
- Bucket-list days
Classic easier routes
The Trough (5.4), Left Ski Track (5.6), Fingertrip (5.7)
Your guide picks routes on the day to suit your group, the conditions and how busy the walls are.
Access and permits
- Access
- Adventure Pass required at Humber Park (we provide it). Inside the San Jacinto Wilderness. Multi-pitch trips are 14+. Tahquitz is at its best May through October; in the shoulder seasons we move multi-pitch days to Suicide Rock.
- Permits
- Guiding in the San Jacinto Wilderness requires a Forest Service outfitter-guide special use permit from the San Jacinto Ranger District.
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
Big Bear Lake · Top-rope, Sport, Trad
Holcomb Valley Pinnacles
Hundreds of short, featured granite pinnacles in the pines north of Big Bear Lake.
- Rock
- Featured granite
- Grades
- 5.5–5.12
- Drive
- 2 hr 45 min
Seasonal
Perris · Top-rope, Trad, Multi-pitch
Big Rock, Lake Perris
A huge, friendly granite slab above Lake Perris. The best beginner granite in the Inland Empire.
- Rock
- Granite slab
- Grades
- 5.5–5.12
- Drive
- 1 hr 15 min