Horseshoe Piles

BETA PHOTO: Trailhead for the Crystal Crag tral.

Description 

This is a small grouping of three crags on the steep, wooded slopes above Horseshoe Lake (hence the name) with fabulous views of the surrounding area. Most of the climbs here are sport routes, with a few exceptions, on high quality alpine granite.

Due to the high elevation and northerly aspect of the crags the climbing season is fairly short and dependant upon the snowpack. Mid-summer to early fall is a sure bet with lighter snow years yielding more climbable months.

Routes here range in difficulty from 5.8 to 5.11c with the bulk of the routes being in the 5.10-5.11 range. Standouts here include D.D.D. (5.11a) on the Spring Crag and This Is The Meaning Of Life (5.11a) on the Stream Wall.

Getting There 

Park at the Lake George parking lot and start hiking on the Crystal Lake Trail. Hike uphill for several minutes until you reach some large water tanks and then leave the trail heading west. Cross over the ridgeline and then contour along the hillside following some metal pipes until you reach a stream. Head uphill where you'll see the Spring Crag. The approach takes 15-20 minutes if you hit it right.

The Classics

Featured Route For Horseshoe Piles

D.D.D. 5.11a  CA : Sierra Eastside : ... : Spring Wall

This is the striking left-facing corner system in the middle of the wall, and is found between Reallyfivenineplus (5.10c) on the left and Fall Harvest (5.10b) on the right. Easy but unprotected slab gains the first bolt about 25' up, after which two more bolts of face lead up and left (crux) into the dihedral which requires a deft blend of stemming and face climbing. The climbing eases near the top, and concludes with a short section of perfect hand...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Horseshoe Piles Slideshow

Add Photo

BETA PHOTO: Turn right of the trail at these water tanks.

Mammoth Mountain from the Horseshoe Piles, Mammoth...