For your convenience, our most common customer questions are answered right here.
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Q: Where’s a warm or cool spot if the weather is Summer hot or Spring/Autumn cool?
A: Summer? Then go to Chipmunk Flat or Burst Rock areas. Following the shade on anything above 7k works well. When it’s colder, but its not quite time to hit The Grotto down in Jamestown, then spots like The Egg and Weeping Wall have amazingly warm temps due to their exposure to sun and/or have a ‘hot pocket’ sheltered effect from the wind.
Q: Where’s a good place to camp?
A: Up and down the 108 there are both Forest Service campsites with water and toilets, or dispersed camping is permitted in the National Forest.
Q: It’s my first time going to SPH, what should I climb?
A: It depends on whether you want to climb moderates or hard lines, and what time of year. During the Summer, Burst Rock is a great cragging area with a mix of harder and moderate lines. During early Spring and Autumn, areas at the 6k foot level are great. 2nd Quarry and Lost World to get a pump. Herring Creek Dome for some Tuolumne-like cruiser dome friction.
Q: I’m driving through Sonora Pass on my way to the East Side, is there a quick place to climb a couple lines before heading over and have lunch?
A: There is! Donnell Vista is a well marked (Forest Service sign) and 15 second approach to some quality fun short climbs. Further up at Chipmunk Flat/Buttresses there are crags on both sides of the highway. 15-20 minute hike up the Third Buttress is Hummingbird Wall. Approach the later by the second paved pullout on the right after you first hit the Buttresses. Walk East on the highway to just before the slight rise in the road. Head left/up the gully, then cut across the slab with junipers on them to a high point with a knobby start to the climbs. The line on the left is 5.8 and recommended. If you want to boulder a bit, drive past the rise in the road to the obvious stand of aspens. A stone’s throw from the road find a nice problem or two.