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Owens River, California

Looking for the best rock climbing in Owens River? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Owens River. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Rock Climbing Spots in and near Owens River

  • Bishop, California

    Camp at Pleasant Valley Pit

    3.5
    Pleasant Valley Pit offers 75 sites, fires outside camping area need a permit, a dumpster is in the campground, 4 vault toilets, no water, some tables, fire rings. To get here, head 0.5 miles off of the Pleasant Valley Road. $2 per vehicle. Learn more at blm.govThis campground is dog-friendly, bu...
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  • Bishop, California

    Photography in the ButterMilks

    5.0
    The Eastern Sierras have some of the most spectacular views in the world. This area in particular is known for its rock climbing. It also has amazing opportunities for photographers.The nights during a new moon are incredibly dark and create great astro photography shots. During the day, the l...
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  • Bishop, California

    Bouldering In The Buttermilks

    5.0
    The Buttermilks is a historical climbing area that is home to some of the worlds most famous rock climbs. It is located at the base of the Eastern Sierras near Bishop, CA. In this region there are 3 main bouldering areas: The Happies, The Sads, and The Buttermilks.The Buttermilks are massive gr...
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  • Seven Pines, California

    Mt. Williamson via Shepherd Pass

    5.0
    26.66 mi / 10653 ft gain
    This trail starts at the lowest, and generally regarded hardest, trailhead in the Southern Sierras. You quickly gain elevation in what many describe as manageable but relentless. The first section of the hike has nice shade and adequate water access. Very enjoyable company to boot! Once you cros...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Camp in the Alabama Hills

    4.8
    The Alabama Hills Recreation Area is a area owned by BLM and open to the public. Camping is free and you can say for a max of 14 days.The are has 100+ open desert sites that are shadowed by some of the tallest peaks in the Sierra Nevada range. And if that wasn't enough, the area was the backdrop ...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Summit Mount Whitney via the Mountaineers Route

    5.0
    5 mi / 6600 ft gain
    With over 6,600 feet of elevation gain and class 4 climbing, this is not for the casual hiker, but can provide an excellent challenge to a budding mountaineer.Park your car at Whitney Portal, 12 miles west of the town of Lone Pine, and start up the main Whitney Trail. After 1 mile you will encou...
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  • Mono County, California

    Rock Climbing at Clark Canyon

    5.0
    Good quality volcanic tuff? That may somewhat of a contradiction, but nevertheless, Clark Canyon is indeed one of the best pocketed playgrounds in the Mammoth area.Be advised, however, that it is a little tricky getting there, and in certain spots you may need high clearance (a Prius won't make i...
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  • Tulare County, California

    Hike to the Summit of Big Baldy, Kings Canyon National Park

    4.5
    5 mi / 650 ft gain
    This short and easy trail to the summit of Big Baldy in Kings Canyon National Park is not to be missed if you are in the area.The trail winds through forest and boulders as it climbs the north shoulder of Big Baldy. When you think you have reached the end, and you see people sitting down with the...
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  • Lone Pine, California

    Rock Climb the Candy Store

    The Candy Store is a group of boulders and small spires with around 30 climbing routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.11. The majority are trad routes with a significant portion toprope and a couple of sport. The major features/boulders are: First BoulderThe GumdropLollipop BoulderRock Candy TowerSecond B...
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  • Shaver Lake, California

    Balsam Forebay

    4.0
    1.05 mi / 62 ft gain
    Access to the forebay starts at the trail head from the parking lot 6,700 ft up, also from the parking lot there is access to two different sets of boulder patches separate from the ones encountered along the hike in.  Hike Start the 1 mile out and back hike from the parking lot following the t...
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  • Madera County, California

    Ediza Lake via Agnew Meadows

    4.0
    13.54 mi / 1804 ft gain
    Start at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. You will need to arrive before 7:30AM or take the Shuttle from Mammoth Mountain. Start out by heading north on the John Muir Trail. You will pass Shadow Lake; walk around the south side of the lake for mountain views. Then, follow the trail up Shadow Creek u...
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  • Madera County, California

    Climb Mount Ritter

    Mt Ritter is a long climb, but it is worth the effort. Start out by establishing camp at Ediza Lake prior to your ascent. The SE Glacier route (first ascent by John Muir) follows the path of least resistance up the SE side of Mt Ritter.The route first gains a broad bench below Ritter and Banner P...
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