Mountain Project: Climbing Owens River Gorge

The Upper Gorge is a little narrower and more winding than the other sections of the Gorge. The cliffs face a variety of directions allowing the ability to chase shade or sun. There are several popular cliffs including the Gorgeous Towers, Gotham City, the Dihedrals and the Flavin' Haven. There is a good amount of quality moderates in the Upper Gorge. The hard climber should check out the Trestle wall, Holy Trinity, Joe's Garage and Franklin's Tower.

Getting There

Use the Upper Gorge parking lot, hike down the upper power plant road for a couple minutes looking for a steep trail down to the right. This trail leads into a 3rd class gully and then down a steep rocky trail.

The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Upper Gorge:

Gangsta Lean 5.8 Sport, 1 pitch, 100 feet Dihedrals

Cinderella 5.9 Sport, 1 pitch, 35 feet All You Can Eat

Giveaway 5.9 Sport Gorgeous Towers

Wacked Scenario 5.10b Sport Gorgeous Towers

Gorgeous 5.10b Sport, 1 pitch, 90 feet Gorgeous Towers

Superfly 5.10c Sport, 180 feet Gotham City

O.R.G.asam 5.11a Sport, 1 pitch, 90 feet Dihedrals

Super Fine Booty 5.11b Sport, 1 pitch, 50 feet Dihedrals

Knucko's Pride of the North 5.11b Sport, 1 pitch, 90 feet Gorgeous Towers

Grindrite 5.11b Sport, 1 pitch, 100 feet Gotham City

C'mon Knucko 5.11b Sport, 1 pitch, 90 feet Gorgeous Towers

Flex Your Head 5.11c Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet Gotham City

Bazooka Country 5.12a Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet Trestle Wall

Featured Route For Upper Gorge

Dave Goldstein pulling through the P1 crux

Superfly 5.10c CA : Sierra Eastside : ... : Gotham City

Two v. fine pitches -- the first up to an exciting roof (which is more traversed than surmounted: right off a big horn, then back left on big holds), the second with a steep flake/corner of liebacking and jamming. Comfortable ledge between pitches.One seasoned Gorger I know calls this the best 5.10 in the ORG....[more] Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Upper Gorge

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Looking south down the Upper Gorge from the parkin...	Stream crossing action below Flavin Haven.	BETA PHOTO: Looking out over the Gorge from the upper parking ...
Beavers also have plans to dam the Gorge. Photo by...	Swallowtail photographed at the Flavin Haven.

Comments on Upper Gorge

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By Chris Owen
Administrator
From: La Crescenta, CA
Apr 15, 2008

So much more natural than the Lower Gorge - quite a pleasant spot.

A cairn marks the start of the descent - look for it on the right as you walk down the road.

By John W. Knoernschild
From: Wisconsin
Jul 3, 2008

Why is every perfectly protectable crack in this area bolted??

By Russ Walling
From: www.FishProducts.com
Jul 3, 2008

The LADWP enforces a strict "no tradding" rule in the Gorge as part of the use agreement. Bolts only! First offense is a confiscation of any hardware deemed "Trad" and a $50.00 fine payable to the ASCA.

By John W. Knoernschild
From: Wisconsin
Jul 4, 2008

Are you serious. WOW! That is pretty odd. Thx for letting me know.

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Upper Gorge

Description

Getting There

The Classics