A beautiful and serene area that sees little traffic, just a short distance south of 'Buttermilks Main'. Named after Dale Bard and his title campsite, 'Dale's Camp' is a perfect destination when the boulders of 'Buttermilks Main' are crowded with vacationers. Many good problems still have grain issues but will clean up with time, and good solid patina is abundant as well on the boulders that surround the central 'Dale's Dome'.
If you've toured the main area well and you're looking for something a little different with a slightly more vegetated feel, it's definitely worth putting a day into exploring 'Dale's Camp' and the surrounding areas. There's a lot of granite out there.
Getting There
From Buttermilk Road, after 3 miles or so, make a left onto a dirt road after a short straight-away at the start of a right curve, which is also 200 feet past a first road, also on the left (about .4 miles before 'Buttermilks Main'). Follow the road, which becomes bumpy and rocky until you reach a creek crossing after about a half mile. Depending on your vehicle and the flow of the creek, back up and park, and hike up the road, or cross the creek and continue for another 1/4 mile to the parking area on the right in the pine trees.
Hike up towards the dome where the boulders will begin to appear. Bouldering can be found 360 degrees around the dome.
Another option is to hike over from the 'Checkerboard Area' which is a nice, 10-15 minute walk. If you choose this way, you can check out numerous other small bouldering areas along the way. Just locate 'Dale's Dome', and start walking in that direction, following the faint path.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Dale's Camp:
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