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Rock Climbing In Idyllwild
Idyllwild offers two of the best
known granite cliff faces in Southern California. Tahquitz Rock
(also known as "Lily Rock") and Suicide Rock are rich in rock
climbing lore. Idyllwild offers clean, yet unglaciated granite,
proximity to a large population center, good weather, and a mountain
setting ... the perfect rock climbing environment.
Tahquitz Rock
Tahquitz Rock boasts 200
or more climbing routes. For the Southern California area, its
routes are relatively long. It is also cool most of the day and has
more crack climbing than other Southern California rocks.
Technical climbing routes are rated up to 5.14 on the basis of
difficulty. Some of the more noteworthy climbs on Tahquitz include:
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The Mechanic's
Route, a 5.8 climbed in 1937 by Dick Jones and Glen Dawson
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The Open Book, a 5.9 climbed in 1952 by Royal Robbins
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The Vampire, a
5.11c climbed in 1960 by Royal Robbins
-
The Edge, a
5.11 climbed in 1975 by Tobin Sorenson
Suicide Rock
There are upwards of 300
climbing routes on Suicide Rock. Suicide is a high quality climbing
rock but it has more routes on its face and is sunny most of the
time.
One of the most
notable climbs on Suicide Rock include:
Rock Climbing Pointers
Before you attempt to
climb in Idyllwild, please keep the following points in mind.
-
Attend professional
rock climbing classes to learn about the use of proper gear,
up-to-date climbing techniques, and safety procedures
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Never climb alone
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Use appropriate
equipment
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Solo climbs
(performed without the aid of a rope) should only be attempted
by highly experienced climbers
-
Remember that human
error and the climber's over-estimation of his or her ability is
the reason behind most accidents.
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