Rock climbing can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Just you, the rock, your mind and whatever gear you can carry with you to keep yourself and your climbing partners safe. It’s about being in the moment and pushing through to the next sequence of moves. When you finally reach the top of the rock face, there is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. There are many opportunities for great rock climbing in Siskiyou, but one of the best is Castle Crags State Park.
This park offers several routes for climbers at all levels of experience. Most well known is the Cosmic Wall. This classic route has seen more ascents than any other alpine route in northern California, and is the perfect introduction to alpine rock climbing for the inspired newbie. You can summit Castle Dome via a 2.7-mile moderate hike to the base of the dome and a beautiful class three scramble to the summit. From here you’ll enjoy amazing views of Mt. Shasta. For the seasoned climber there is the East Face of Castle Dome (aka “The Dike Route”), said to be the best alpine route of its grade in Northern California.
Several area outfitters offer guided trips, classes and gear rental.
WHERE: 6 miles south of Dunsmuir on I-5. (google map)
MORE INFO: 530-235-2684 | www.parks.ca.gov