Lake Tahoe Rock Climbing

Directions:
From South Lake Tahoe, drive north on Emerald Bay Road (SR 89) towards Emerald Bay. The parking area and the trailhead to Desolation Wilderness is located on the west side of the highway by Eagle Creek. Hike west on a trail paralleling the creek to reach the climbing areas in the canyon.

 
Lover's Leap
You can easily see the sheer and awe-inspiring cliffs of what locals call "The Leap" while driving east on U.S. HWY 50 from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe.

Lover's Leap is a very popular place to climb because it offers easy access, great classic climbing and short approaches. Expect summer weekends to be busy and be prepared to find waiting lines for some of the most well-known climbs. Since there is over a half mile of rock, you'll surely be able to find a quiet place to set up a belay.

Recommended Routes & Yosemite Decimal System Rating:

The Leap is located just off U.S. HWY 50 behind the community of Strawberry, approximately 18 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe.

Directions:
From South Lake Tahoe, drive west on U.S. HWY 50 over Echo Summit towards Sacramento. Just before the Strawberry Lodge, turn left and follow the road back into the parking area. Follow the trail that begins at the northeast end of the campground, passing several large boulders leading to an old road. At this point, several short trails will lead you to different areas of the cliff. A trail also contours the base of the wall.

 
Pie Shop
The Pie Shop is a very popular cragging area close by South Lake Tahoe. Unlike many other climbing areas in the basin, Pie Shop is sunny and frequently climbable year-round.

The Pie Shop approach is easy and the quality of the climbing is good. There are a variety of both face and crack climbs. Pie Shop even boasts some of the best bouldering in Tahoe and the bouldering areas can be seen on the approach to the base of the cliffs.

Recommended Routes & Yosemite Decimal System Rating:

Directions:
From South Lake Tahoe, take U.S. HW 50 towards Sacramento. Just past the airport, turn right onto Sawmill Road and follow it for a quarter mile. Park on the left-hand side of the road. Take the trail directly across from the dirt parking area and hike upward past a group of large boulders. Spiral up the hill until you reach "Lunch Rock." This large, flat rock is perfect for sunning yourself between climbs. From this point, trails run along the base of the rock to other routes.

 
Tahoe Sports Ltd.
The Lake Tahoe Vacation Guide would like to thank the friendly and experienced guides at Tahoe Sports Ltd. for providing information about Eagle Creek Canyon, Lover's Leap and Pie Shop. Your rock climbing adventures in Tahoe will be more enjoyable if you give them a call, or visit the shop when you get to town.

Tahoe Sports Ltd.
South "Y" Center
U.S. HWY 50
South Lake Tahoe

  530-544-2284

Nestled in the hillside facing Shirley Canyon, the Challenge Ropes Course location offers a spectacular view of Squaw Valley. Some of the state-of-the-art aspects of this ropes course include three 50-foot high towers with treehouses and a 40-foot high giant swing, all interconnected with ropes and cables. Experienced instructors supervise program activities. Safety is the watchword, as participants choose their level of challenge.

The Course is open to the public, availability permitting, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. The Course requires a minimum of seven reservations to open for the day and individuals are invited to join existing reservations. Children ages 5 -14 are welcome with parental participation. For public day use reservations please call (530) 386-1375.

Customized Challenge Ropes Courses are available for groups, nonprofit organizations and corporations from seven to 75 participants. Customized programs can vary from two hours to a full day to multi-day. Call for details, pricing and reservations for groups at (530) 386-1044..

Squaw Valley Adventure Center
Squaw Valley USA
1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Valley
  530-583-7673

Central Reservations & Information
  800-545-4350
  888-766-9331

Squaw Valley Switchboard
  530-583-6985

Visit the RECREATION menu tab for information about other Squaw Valley activities: Aerial Cable Car, Climbing Wall, Day Care, Hiking/Winter, Hiking/Summer, Ice Skating, Mountain Biking, Olympic Museum, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Swimming, Tennis, Tubing.

 
Headwall Indoor Climbing Wall at Squaw Valley
With 20 and 30-foot climbing walls indoors and a 45-foot climbing wall outdoors to conquer, climbers of all ages will enjoy the fun and challenge of climbing. For children under 13, belaying requires that a parent partner with them. Your harness is provided and shoe rental is available. Private and group instruction is offered. All climbers are supervised. Headwall is located in the Cable Car Terminal Building at the Base Village.

Base Village
Squaw Valley USA
1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Village

Climbing Wall
  530-583-7673

Central Reservations & Information
  800-545-4350
  888-766-9331

Squaw Valley Switchboard
  530-583-6985

Visit the RECREATION menu tab for information about other Squaw Valley activities: Aerial Cable Car, Bungee Jumping, Challenge Ropes Course, Day Care, Hiking/Winter, Hiking/Summer, Ice Skating, Mountain Biking, Olympic Museum, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Swimming, Tennis, Tubing.

 
Kirkwood Climbing with Sierra Mountain Guides
Not many sports match the physical and mental satisfaction of climbing. You'll feel your spirit soar during a safe and memorable rock or mountain climbing experience. Sierra Mountain Guides offer a variety of programs that include half-day and one or two-day courses in Beginning Rock, Intermediate Climbing, Guided Multi-Pitch Climbs, Guided Mountaineering Routes, Mountain Skill Courses and more!

Kirkwood Ski & Summer Resort
SR 88 between Silver Lake and Caples Lake
Kirkwood

Sierra Mountain Guides
  530-582-4772

Main Number
  209-258-6000

Visit the WHERE TO PLAY main menu for information about other Kirkwood activities: Bike Riding, Day Care, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sleigh Rides, Tennis.

 
Climbing Wall at Kirkwood
Hone your skills right at the resort before heading to the rocks on this professionally designed and supervised facility. Instruction is available upon request. Call the Adventure Center for details.

Kirkwood Ski & Summer Resort
SR 88 between Silver Lake and Caples Lake
Kirkwood

Kirkwood Adventure Center
  209-258-7283

Main Number
  209-258-6000

Visit the RECREATION menu tab for information about other Kirkwood activities: Bike Riding, Day Care, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sleigh Rides, Tennis.

 
Adventure Park Climbing Wall at Northstar-at-Tahoe
Climbers of all ages and abilities can have fun learning new skills and improving technique on the 25-foot high outdoor climbing wall. The staff teaches belaying and supervises the program. Bring a friend or parent to climb with you or just to belay. The fee includes the use of a harness and climbing shoe rental is available. Private and group instruction is offered.

Northstar-at-Tahoe
SR 267 at Northstar Drive
Truckee

Adventure Park
  530-562-2285

Main Number
  530-562-1010

Visit the RECREATION main menu for information about other Northstar-at-Tahoe activities: Climbing Ropes, Day Care, Golf, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling Tours, Tubing.

 
Adventure Park Challenge Ropes Course at
Northstar-at-Tahoe
Ropes, cables, and tall fir trees in a beautiful setting present a series of challenging activities that are fun and exhilarating for adults and children. High elements of 30 to 60 feet include jumping for the trapeze from "the Perch" and riding down a 300 foot long "Zip Line." Ropes Course leaders guide you throughout the program, beginning with warm ups and safety instruction. Ages 10+. For little kids looking for big excitement, try the junior version of the ropes course for ages 4-13 with parental assistance required.

Northstar-at-Tahoe
SR 267 at Northstar Drive
Truckee

Adventure Park
  530-562-2285

Main Number
  530-562-1010

Visit the RECREATION main menu for information about other Northstar-at-Tahoe activities: Climbing Wall, Day Care, Golf, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling Tours, Tubing.

 
Tahoe Adventure Company
From guided mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing and kayak tours - Tahoe Adventure Company has something for everyone. Imagine kayaking around the shoreline under a full moon - this creative company can make it happen! Whether planning for a large group or just a family excursion, let Tahoe Adventure Company assist you with your plans.

Tahoe Adventure Company
P.O. Box 8536
Tahoe City, CA 96145

  (530) 913-9212

  (866) 830-6125