Winter Bouldering Trips

The Big Bear Bouldering Club is planning two trips this winter to climb in some of the local winter destinations. This is an informal group trip, details to be worked out as the dates get closer.

All Washed Up

Joshua Tree - January 18th - 20th "Joshua Tree is a world famous area with thousands of routes, countless boulder problems and a very limited number of campsites. Long popular as a winter destination, it's appeal has only grown throughout the years as climbers of all abilities have discovered the mild temperatures, grippy rock and surreal landscape which make it a must visit area on any climber's list."

Soul Slinger

Bishop - February 1st - 4th  "Bishop is blessed with perfect climbing conditions. Not only is the climate perfect for climbing with only 6" average annual rainfall, and over 300 days sunshine, the crags and boulders that surround the town are world class.

The Owens River Gorge (ORG) has hundreds of top quality sport routes, and the Happy and Buttermilks bouldering venues both have world class problems. Each of the areas have distinct characteristics, the ORG has long pumpy routes, the Happy Boulders have fun boulders that suit strong fingers and flexibility, while the Buttermilks offer fine technical challenges that reward good technique and hard callouses in one of the most scenic settings in the country."

For More Info Email: msmith414@gmail.com

Butte Bouldering Bash

This looks like a pretty cool event up in Butte Montana a bit later this year. We are thinking about putting together a similar type event here in Big Bear next year. Check it out here!

Great weather for climbing in Big Bear right now making it a great spot to get ready for Joshua Tree and other So Cal spots this winter.

Castle Rock Area

(The Shark Tooth)

Castle Rock is one of the more popular hiking trails in Big Bear, and for good reason. The trail is short and steep and ends with a fun scramble up the backside of Castle Rock. The view is amazing, and the climbing is excellent. Castle Rock proper has numerous sport climbs and a few solid trad lines. In addition there are boulders scattered all around the base and even more stretching west towards the dam. As with most of the areas in Big Bear, the highlight here might be the amount of easy highball/solos to be found. If you are comfortable climbing 5.0 to 5.5 high off the ground with no rope this is a great place to run around for  an afternoon. 

Big Bear Bouldering Areas Map

Map to some of Big Bear's bouldering areas can be found here.

Bouldering Info

Big Bear Bouldering is back...

...not that it every went anywhere! After an extended period of working (in an office) too many hours life is slowing creeping back to normal, which means Big Bear Bouldering is back in action. The summer is in full swing right now and despite some solid afternoon thunderstorms during the heat wave it's been great weather for climbing.

Over the past few months we've received a bunch of email about the bouldering in Big Bear. Mostly asking for advice on where to go or guidebook recommendations. The most comprehensive guide we've found is on mountainproject.com. Check out the San Bernardino Mountains area here.

If you will be in town and are looking for rock check out the North Shore Boulders. Easy approach. Lots of climbing. Great views up high on the hillside. The lower hill is compact with a few good VB circuits. Up on the hill you'll find larger rock and more committing problems.

If you are camping Holcomb Valley is a no brainer. Tons of bouldering scattered among the pinnacles and a lot of easy highball/solos to keep thing fun. Free camping. Small crowds. You can also rope up for days if you are interested.

Maybe the best, and least traveled, areas are on the South Ridge and involve a bit more adventure to find. Start at Bluff Mesa group camp and follow the trail from the west end of camp. A 30 min walk will bring you to the most heavily concentrated bouldering in the area. 

These are only a few of the areas worth visiting. Castle Rock, Cactus Flats, the boulders behind the PAC, Hanna Flats Campground, Roadside Boulder...all worth checking out. Our goal is to get a guidebook together as soon as possible but full schedules have prevented this from happening to this point. We'll let you know any information on that front as soon as we can. 

 

John Bull Area Climbing

Backside Bouldering Video