This area has access issues. Please read the details below.
Marisa Fienup climbs "the Beginning of the End" (5...
Description
OVERVIEW Short, pumpy routes on steep, edgey volcanic rock. The location itself is beautiful in its own way--the endless rooftops of nearby trailer-homes and the abundant high-power electrical wires overhead give the place its own unique character. There are just enough quality routes to make it worth the hike.
While the area is technically a sport climbing destination, the rock quality is not good and loose blocks abound. Exercise caution when choosing which routes to lead. Nearly all routes can be approached fromm the ridge above and easily top roped.
WEATHER/CLIMBING SEASON Hot in summer, cool in winter. Spring and fall are downright nice. The site is quick to dry out after spring showers.
ACCESS The access issue is IFFY. The original trailhead was closed after someone was electrocuted while palyinng on the powerlines. Access to the cliff is now gained by parking in anearby park and hiking through a trailer-park. As yet there have been no known incidents as climbers hike through the trailer park; however, please be respectful of residents and low key at all times. Please observe any posted no-trespassing signs if they show up.
Getting There
From Hwy 101 in Newbury Park, exit Wendy Drive. Go west on Old Conejo Road, which parallels the freeway. Park in the Old Pepper Tree Playfield and continue down Old Conejo Road on foot.
By Mike Morley Administrator From: Oakland, CA Dec 15, 2006
The routes here are short, I mean, REALLY short. It's easy to tick a dozen routes in a few hours. In general, the rock quality is fairly poor, although the Beginning of the End is quite good. Worth visiting once or twice, but certainly not a destination area.
Back in the day you could drive in (with 4wd or mc via Kimber fields). But the 20 - 40 minute approach from Peppertree (park) probably isn't worth it. . . what Mike said about the climbing. However, if you're feeling very explorative there are some cool pictographs from the Chumash in the area (assuming Chumash). From the park look west = Sandstone Peak. Don't know about guides, but you can ask some of the locals if you can find 'em (fun stuff)!
Conejo Mountain
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