Continue with onX Maps
Continue with Facebook
Potter's Rock Rock Climbing
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
| Elevation: | 4,668 ft |
| GPS: |
38.26852, -120.00986 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
| Page Views: | 7,425 total · 28/month |
| Shared By: | Aron Quiter on Sep 30, 2002 |
| Admins: | Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes |
Description
Located a little further up in the Sierra than many other areas thus far on the site.
Climbing in this area is REALLY remote, and all Yosemite-like granite fun. The rock is still losing some of its original loose stuff, so a helmet for the belayer and any bystanders is probably a good idea.
Some routes can be walked off, some can't.
There are two existing rocks, Potter's Rock proper, and also the Crack House, which is located another five minutes away along a sketchy trail that traverses the hillside. The potential for other rocks and routes in this area is obvious.
There are no access fees, you're on National Forest land, so chances are pretty good that you'll be the only party here.
An SUV or other vehicle with good ground clearance is a must, as the gravel road will rip out your suspension if you're not careful with a smaller vehicle.
Climbing in this area is REALLY remote, and all Yosemite-like granite fun. The rock is still losing some of its original loose stuff, so a helmet for the belayer and any bystanders is probably a good idea.
Some routes can be walked off, some can't.
There are two existing rocks, Potter's Rock proper, and also the Crack House, which is located another five minutes away along a sketchy trail that traverses the hillside. The potential for other rocks and routes in this area is obvious.
There are no access fees, you're on National Forest land, so chances are pretty good that you'll be the only party here.
An SUV or other vehicle with good ground clearance is a must, as the gravel road will rip out your suspension if you're not careful with a smaller vehicle.
Getting There
This area is within 3 hours drive from the bay area, 30 miles or so past the Table Mountain area.
From the 99, Head East on Highway 108 through the town of Jamestown, and also through the town of Sonora. Keep on Highway 108, another 27 miles to the town of Cold Springs.
From the gas station in Cold Springs (yes, there's only one) it is 8.4 miles to the signed Beardsly Road (Forest route 5N02), where you should head left. Watch your odometer and head almost exactly 1 mile to the second road on the right, which is labled Forest Route 5NO9X (the X is nearly indecipherable).
The road will turn into dirt immediately, and will stay wide. After 2.1 miles you will come into an obvious fork (this is the only fork where both roads branching off still look like a road and not a 4X4 trail), where you should head right.
The road will narrow slightly, head exactly 2.5 miles past some large pipes and other PG+E stuff including a small one lane bridge, where you should park on the left side (downhill) of the road. The small trail will be marked by a cairn pile, heading uphill and to the North.
The main rock is about a minute up this small trail.
From the 99, Head East on Highway 108 through the town of Jamestown, and also through the town of Sonora. Keep on Highway 108, another 27 miles to the town of Cold Springs.
From the gas station in Cold Springs (yes, there's only one) it is 8.4 miles to the signed Beardsly Road (Forest route 5N02), where you should head left. Watch your odometer and head almost exactly 1 mile to the second road on the right, which is labled Forest Route 5NO9X (the X is nearly indecipherable).
The road will turn into dirt immediately, and will stay wide. After 2.1 miles you will come into an obvious fork (this is the only fork where both roads branching off still look like a road and not a 4X4 trail), where you should head right.
The road will narrow slightly, head exactly 2.5 miles past some large pipes and other PG+E stuff including a small one lane bridge, where you should park on the left side (downhill) of the road. The small trail will be marked by a cairn pile, heading uphill and to the North.
The main rock is about a minute up this small trail.
Weather Averages
|
High
|
Low
|
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
Prime Climbing Season
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
- No Photos -
All Photos Within Potter's Rock
Most Popular · Newest · RandomMore About Potter's Rock
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
Guidebooks (2)
2 Comments