Mountain Project Logo

Great low grade free-solo near Bay Area?

Original Post
dylan grabowski · · Denver · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 95

I'm wondering if there are any nice multi-pitch 5.4 or 5.5 routes in, or near the Bay Area one could free solo? Mt. Diablo? Preferably something within an hour drive (distance from Berkeley) to do after work.

David A · · Gardnerville, NV · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 405

Unfortunately, no. There is not anything that fits that description within an hour from Berkeley.

Rough · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2004 · Points: 1,537

Soloing at Diablo / MSH aka anywhere within 1 hour of the Bay is asking for it. Most of the rock is friable sandstone or volcanic in nature and would be a high stakes gamble at best related to hold breakage, or would potential jeopardize access to the only few crags we have around these parts if things go awry. If you want to solo, look for granite in the Sierras. At least then your demise will mostly skill dependent and not rock quality dependent.

dylan grabowski · · Denver · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 95
Rough wrote:Soloing at Diablo / MSH aka anywhere within 1 hour of the Bay is asking for it. Most of the rock is friable sandstone or volcanic in nature and would be a high stakes gamble at best related to hold breakage, or would potential jeopardize access to the only few crags we have around these parts if things go awry. If you want to solo, look for granite in the Sierras. At least then your demise will mostly skill dependent and not rock quality dependent.
Point well taken. I was hoping there was something equivalent to the Freeway on the Second Flatiron in Colorado. Thanks for the advice!
Chad Namolik · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2010 · Points: 2,905

Ive heard of old schoolers soloing around at Pinnacles. Been there once, so not much to say about it, although the rock quality can be questionable.

Something like Costanoan might fit the bill.

More like two hours though.

Rob P · · Duluth, MN · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 458

Eagle Peak in Aquarian Valley. 200ft+ depending on how you climb it. A little adventure/poison oak to get to the lowest point, but lots of variations. Probably 5.4-5.10 depending on which way you go!

Eagle Peak in Aquarian Valley

Tyler Wick · · Bishop, CA · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 200
mountainproject.com/v/old-o…

There are a few mandatory rappels at the end, or you could reverse the route and avoid them. It's a worthy adventure.
dylan grabowski · · Denver · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 95
Tyler Wick wrote:http://www.mountainproject.com/v/old-original/106912474 There are a few mandatory rappels at the end, or you could reverse the route and avoid them. It's a worthy adventure.
Looks fun!
GizzardJones · · Pollock Pines, CA · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 610

Goat Rock at Castle Rock st park.
that whole face "swiss cheese" is 5.fun

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
Post a Reply to "Great low grade free-solo near Bay Area?"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.