Fisherman's Buttress

Fisherman's Buttress from across the lake, Big Bea...

Description 

Fisherman's Buttress (aka Roadside Rock) is located on the south side of Big Bear Lake and offers fantastic climbing with marvelous scenery and a minimal approach.

The climbing here tends to be short and technical with crimpy moves and thoughtful sequences. There are currently 30+ routes in the area with ratings ranging from 5.5 to 5.12, although the bulk of the better routes tend to be 5.11 and up making this a good alternative to the nearby Holcomb Valley Pinnacles.

Classics here include Roadside Crack (5.10a), Trout Fishing In America (5.11b), Big Mouth Fever (5.11c), Catch of the Day (5.11c), Rumblefish (5.11d), Check Your Fly (5.12a) and Trouser Trout (5.12a).

Getting There 

Easily reached by driving 0.6 miles from the dam at Big Bear Lake on the south shore of the lake. Limited parking is available at three nearby spots - 1) a short distance east of the crag in a dirt pullout on the right side (south) of the road which fits about three vehicles, 2) across the road from #1 with room for a car or two, and 3) to the west (towards the dam) on the lake side (left) of the paved road with room for about five or six vehicles.

From parking location #1 and #2 head upslope and follow a faint trail through boulders which quickly improves. Follow this to Three Fishes Rock and on to the east face of Fisherman's Buttress. From parking location #3 cross the road carefully, and then head uphill to join a trail which leads to the west face of Fisherman's Buttress.

Please don't walk along the road or head directly up the hillside - doing either will cause problems at this crag, so please take the extra time to find the trail and prevent any sort of access issues.

The Classics

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BETA PHOTO: Fisherman's Buttress, with the road highlighted in...