Owl Rock Climbing

Reno's Biggest Little Sport Crag. Owl Rock hosts a variety of sport climbs from 5.5-5.12 and it is possible to chase shade or sun all day long. The climbing here is fun! Incut and flat edges, pockets, huecos, aretes, and even the occasional crack characterize the routes. All bolted routes are equipped with mussy hooks allowing easy laps and toproping. All routes can be climbed with 10 draws and a 60m rope.

Individual walls are numbered moving from left to right along the base, although the North Wall is the first encountered on the main approach trail. There is bouldering in the area as well. The Owl Boulders sit on the West and South hillsides next to Owl Rock and feature a variety of routes with everything from slab to roof cracks. The Pellets are on a plateau across the road from Owl Rock and have both low traverses and highballs.

This area is year round access and sits on BLM land. Camping is possible anywhere in the canyon. Be aware of other land users nearby, mainly target shooters and ATV riders. Drive slowly near homes on Toll Rd. and watch out for feral horses. Please avoid the road/trails/crag if it is muddy though. This is a high desert environment and the land is fragile. Cutting switchbacks will worsen erosion and just isn't nice. Stay on the obvious existing trails.

While many loose blocks and flakes have been removed, some still exist. Wear a helmet. Climbing has occurred here for decades, from aid practice in the 70's to UNR climbing club topropes in the 90's. The recent cleaning and bolting has re-imagined this small hunk of desert rock into a local gem. While probably not a roadtrip destination, Owl Rock is great for after-work pitches and getting out without the mountain commute.