“For those about to rock, we salute you!” ACDC
Spectacular rock climbing opportunities abound in the greater Tahoe area. Climbing is one of the area’s main draws in the summertime. What can be more breathtaking than scaling a shear granite wall culminating in a panoramic outlook of beautiful Lake Tahoe? As amazing and challenging as rock climbing is, it can be an intimidating sport to embark upon. How do you get started? What equipment do you need? Where do you go? Well, it’s easier to get acquainted with the sport than some may think, and there are a number of climbing centers in the greater Reno/Tahoe area perfectly suited for families.
Getting Started
For an introduction to the sport in a safe, controlled environment, or for those simply wanting to get their climbing chops up, RockSport in Sparks and North Peak Climbing and Fitness in Reno offer indoor climbing walls and all the equipment and help anyone would need. Such indoor climbing centers are a great way to get a feel for the sport, and they’re perfectly suited for families, beginners and intermediate climbers alike.
For the more adventurous, the Whitney Peak hotel in downtown Reno boasts the world’s tallest climbing wall (164 feet!). It’s located right in downtown Reno. The Whitney Peak also houses a 7,000 square foot indoor bouldering park complete with a separate, fun, safe kids’ area. You can easily spend half the day there learning the sport or improving your climbing skills. It’s a great place for the kids to go wild and experience their inner Spiderman. Once you have your confidence up and your blood flowing, there’s nothing like summiting Reno from the outdoor wall!
For those looking to explore the wonderful, abundant climbing in the greater Tahoe area, there are a number of famous climbing centers around the lake, including: High Altitude Fitness in Incline Village, Gateway Mountain Center in Soda Springs, CA, Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City, and The Backcountry in Truckee. All of these shops offer expertise on mountain climbing and other outdoor recreation with plenty of equipment, advice, guidebooks, and local knowledge. To research on your own and learn more about the local area and various, popular climbs to consider, complete with firsthand accounts check out www.supertopo.com and www.rockclimbing.com. The Gateway Mountain Center (www.sierraexperience.org) offers summer camps and school programs for kids as well.
Summit Tahoe
Once you have your confidence up and you feel well initiated into the sport, it’s time to take on the challenges in the great outdoors. Lake Tahoe offers impeccable granite and basalt climbing with plenty of access routes available to key areas around the lake. Some famous Tahoe climbing areas include: Cave Rock, Donner State Park, Spooner Crag, Squaw Valley, and Emerald Bay. Most of these locations are south and west of the lake, with Donner State park due north over the mountain ridge. The great advantages of climbing around the lake include spectacular views, diversity in difficulty and types of climbing, and relatively easy access from the popular Tahoe resorts. Rock climbing can be a terrific one or two day activity within your Tahoe itinerary, or it can be the primary adventure within a multi-day trip.
When to go
May – June: This is the prime time to visit the Lake due to long days and great climbing temperatures in the 60s and 70s. This year the walls will be generally clear of snow and dry by the end of April. Be prepared for wet cracks and occasional late spring storms, though. As with any rock climbing trip check the weather report.
July – August: Temps can climb consistently to the 80s and 90s making it uncomfortable to climb in the sun mid-day. Seek out the shade and climb in the higher elevation areas like Eagle Lake Cliff or other protected cliff walls. The hike alone to Eagle Lake, just up the trail from Emerald Bay, is a wonderful activity for the whole family. Continue further and go as far as you like into the Desolation Wilderness.
September – Oct: Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Lake. Temperatures are perfect for climbing and generally stay in the 60s and 70s. Most areas around the lake are in perfect fall comfort and splendor.
Lake Tahoe offers abundant opportunities for anyone interested in rock climbing. Indoor climbing centers are a great place for beginners and families to start. The world’s tallest climbing wall ought to be on the list for any adventurous person visiting the area. For the more skilled and experienced, the natural splendor of the greater Tahoe area offers some of the best and most accessible rock climbing in the region. The first foothold in your climbing adventures begins at Tahoe. Saddle up and climb!
| Source: Originally published in Kids at Tahoe-Reno Magazine, updated by editor Cindy Pratte-Smith |
