This area once contained many fine sport routes in a gorgeous gorge setting. Tragically, most of the routes have been washed away by release water from the flood gates above. There are still several great climbs outside of the gorge, though the hike into the areas is quite long.
You will still find some sport routes, and also a selection of leadable trad climbs.
Getting into the Emeralds is a pain in the butt, and a really long hike over some not so nice terrain.
WARNING! As the sign posted at the parking lot reminds you, this area is subject to sudden and severe flooding, especially in run off times (late spring and late fall). Most of the climbing areas are in the worst of the potential flooding areas, as walls of the gorge sit below several LARGE floodgates from Spaulding Lake. These gates may open at any time, and as the sign in the parking area states, there may or may not be warning. Being in the gorge when the gates open would probably mean death, and being in the other climbing areas will mean that your exit is blocked until flood waters reside. Read all posted signs in the parking area, and also beware that these may not be updated.
Getting There
From I80, exit on highway 20, 24 miles west of Truckee at the Emigrant Gap Exit. Stay on Highway 20 for about 4 miles, where you should turn right on Bowman Lake Road. Head 1.4 miles up Bowman Lake Road, where you will come to a bridge.
Parking is on the right (East) just over the bridge.
The Emeralds
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