Submitted By: C Miller on Mar 12, 2006 Administrator: C Miller Elevation: 8,500 feet
Latitude: 34.1968 Longitude: -116.7240
Aerial photo/map | Weather Views: 227 page views
Highway 38, the "back road to Big Bear", tops out at Onyx Summit (elevation 8443'), which is the highest State Highway summit in Southern California. Just northwest of the actual summit and visible from the road is a small but enticing chunk of high-quality granite with a handful of routes.
Eight known routes are found here with six being on the main pillar, easily identified by it's two striking aretes, and the other two on the more non-descript face to the right. Routes range from 5.8-5.12 in difficulty with most being bolted sport routes, although one quality crack route does exist.
Despite it's somewhat lofty elevation the south-facing nature of the crag ensures cragging all year depending upon snow conditions, but Spring and Fall have the best and most consistent weather.
Freak on a Leash (5.12c) Nothing Could be Finer than to be in a Vagina in the Morning (5.11a)
Getting There
The Onyx Summit Crag is found on the west side of Highway 38 about 0.25 miles north of the actual summit and almost directly across the highway from a large dirt pullout.
The approach trail starts directly across Hwy 38 from the pullout and leads through the trees to the base of the crag. Allow 5-10 minutes for the short but surprisingly strenuous approach.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Onyx Summit Crag: