SoCal Climbing: The Legend that is San Diego

SoCal Climbing

                                Taken by Brandt Gilbertson







The Legend that is San Diego

With each step a deep breath is taken, as you push off the nickel sized foot hold to reach the penny sized hand hold, with the ultimate goal of standing on top of this rock looking down at what you just accomplished. Climbing till your fingers bleed and your feet are sore, San Diego is the perfect community to chase your climbing goals. 

What was once the epicenter for the birth of the SoCal climbing community, San Diego remains a sought out location for climbers all over the United States. Although there are hundreds of beautiful places to climb in Southern California, San Diego reigns over them all. San Diego climbing began shortly after the 1950s, thanks to the birth of the San Diego Sierra Club, which was founded way back to 1948. This group would teach people how to camp, climb and backpack. 

  San Diego rock climbing began to grow more throughout the 60s-90s. As more people found the love for this exhilarating sport larger rocks got climbed and more dangerous routes got first ascents. A notable group out of San Diego is The Poway Mountain Boys , this group put up tons of routes in areas like Mount Woodson and El Cajon Mountain. This group consisted of names like, Keith Brueckner, John Bachar, Tom and Elke Lindner. However, these are not all the notable names that contributed to the growth of San Diego climbing, there are just too many people. 

Must go outdoor climbing in San Diego

Santee Boulders

A beautiful playground of boulders and few top rope climbs that will provide a challenge for a climber of any level. From steep overhang to gnarly slabs  Santee boulders has tons to offer. Before diving into specific climbs it is important to appreciate its history. Santee Boulders saw competitions in 1973 and years to come afterwards, John Vawter- a finalist in the 73' competition talks of the incredible climbing that took place. They began with the lieback boulder and moved on to the Bullet hole, John Vawter was the only one in the finals to top out on it. Santee has been climbed for a very long time, and there is deep rooted history on those rocks, and to get the opportunity to explore that history through the art of climbing is something very special. 

Must do:

Bullet hole

Lieback boulder

Butt Plug (My personal favorite spot in Santee)

The Carousel 


Mission Gorge 

Located in Mission Trails Regional Park in order to access the incredible climbing offered here there is a 650ft elevation approach. It is more of a hike than Santee Boulders but worth the time. Plus, by the time you are at the rocks you are already warmed up! Mission Gorge shares a lot of its history with Santee Boulders, competitions were held in 71' and 72' before the Santee competition. It has been climbed by people for nearly 70 years and it is a must go for San Diego Climbing. There are 90 Trad climbs, 60 sport climbs and 76 top rope.  Mission Gorge is a gorgeous climbing spot and has so much to offer for every level of climbing. There is always a good group of people out there willing to teach and learn. 

Must do: 

Mission Control  (One of my all time favorite climbs)

Easy Rider 

Shadowfax



Location: San Diego, CA, USA

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