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GPS: 40.40596, -105.52981
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 29,889 total · 106/month
Shared By: Charles Vernon on Dec 31, 2000 · Updates
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: 2023 Seasonal Raptor Closures lifted 7/28/23 DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

A beautiful dome perched atop the Ridge, with an assortment of two pitch routes. Like Twin Owls, it is flanked by other cliffs, including Checkerboard Rock, Lightning Rock, and the Batman Pinnacle, all of which have fine routes and are approached by the same trail. The dome is host to some of the Ridge's best moderate routes, such as Batman and Robin (5.6) and Hand over Hand (5.7). Checkerboard has some very challenging, very trad climbs, notably Ziggie's Day Out and Checkerboard Crack, both 5.10. Clowntime is Over and Bat Crack are must-do 5.9s on Batman itself.

Getting There Suggest change

From the new parking lot, take the west trail towards the old Twin Owls parking lot ~0.6 miles. Somewhat confusing-take the right of two trails from the west end of old Twin Owls parking lot, bear left shortly thereafter at the first branch, then right after a little ways (these last two branches are unmarked). Checkerboard is the first rock, after about 15 minutes, then the trail effectively disappears, but the other rocks become obvious. ~45-60 minutes for the approach, 40 minutes for the descent.

A 2021 update from a comment: to find the improved trail to Batman from the main Lumpy trail from the main trail, follow the sign that says Batman Rock, then go left twice at forks that come up quickly. You may not see any more signs, until you get way up to the sign for Batman Pinnacle (Batman Rock is just past this).

Descent

Suggest change
Head N/NE from the top and scramble easily down around to the base. Other descents may be described for individual routes.

18 Total Climbs

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Location: Batman Rock Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Batman Rock

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 68
Hand Over Hand
Trad 2 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R
 9
Gobs of Blobs
Trad 2 pitches
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 29
Bat Crack
Trad 2 pitches
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 12
Hand Jive
Trad 2 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 27
Clowntime is Over
Trad 2 pitches
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
 4
Marlin Alley
Trad
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 5
Backbone Arete
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Hand Over Hand
 68
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad 2 pitches
Gobs of Blobs
 9
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R Trad 2 pitches
Bat Crack
 29
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad 2 pitches
Hand Jive
 12
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad 2 pitches
Clowntime is Over
 27
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Trad 2 pitches
Marlin Alley
 4
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c Trad
Backbone Arete
 5
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
More Classic Climbs in Batman Rock »

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