Catacombs  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  7,000' Lat, Long:  37.5815, -118.6221 Map Page Views:  18,237. Good page?    Administrators:  Aron Quiter, Euan Cameron, Adam Winters, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Euan Cameron on Nov 19, 2007 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon 63° | 30° 66° | 28° 64° | 32° 63° | 30° 61° | 34°

Strolling around The Catacombs

Description 

The Catacombs is a really cool place to visit. Not only does it have fine bouldering, but it is worth the trip simply to wander amongst the rock formations.

The area is perched above the Owens River Gorge. Close to the gorge there are many rock towers, that you can explore from either the top or the bottom. At the bottom you find yourself in a maze like structure, often crawling on hands and knees to make progress.

Working back from the gorge edge the towers get smaller and more spaced apart - perfect for bouldering.

The rock is good pocketed tuff, and almost all the landings are on perfect flat pumice.

Come for a day, come for an hour, it doesn't matter, it is worth the trek out here.

Getting There 

On reaching Tom's Place on the 395 take the East turn and drive passed a few houses. After about 4 miles on this road you'll reach Crowley Lake Dam. Cross over the Dam and turning right head up the road (take care as the road narrows). Once at the top of the hill the road turns to dust. After 1.3 miles take the obvious right turn onto the 4S03. Follow this road for just over 3 miles, until you come to a steeper section of road with a switchback.

Continue on past the switchback for another 1/2 mile then take a right turn. Shortly after turning you'll see left faint left fork - stay right. Just keep staying right all the way to the Catacombs parking lot.

The view across the Owens River Gorge, the Wheeler Crest in the background. Submitted By: Adam Winters on May 17, 2009

The Classics

Featured Route For Catacombs

Looks Like We're One Horse Shy Partner V5  CA : Sierra Eastside : ... : Devil Boulder

Sit start at two good pockets down low below the South Prow.Make several encouraging moves on good pockets just right of the prow. When the pockets run out make a long reach up left to a very small two finger pocket (or mono - finger size dependent), and then crank hard to a good jug up right.Finish easily on good holds. Take care to pull on the solid holds near the top....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Catacombs Slideshow

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Sticking the crux move on Looks Like We're One Hor...	The wonderful bouldering potential at the Catacomb...	Exploring The Catacombs
The view across the Owens River Gorge, the Wheeler...	Vibrant lichen on the rim of the gorge	Jordan Winters on 'Deal with the Devil' v3, 'Devil...
Gigantor Boulder	exploring the awesome catacombs	going for the crux. looks like we're one horse shy...
Hands on Rock	The Catacombs at the rim of the Owen's River Gorge	Fading light over the Sierra Crest from the Cataco...
The Milky Way over Jeffrey pines at the Catacombs ...	one of the Catacombs more slender corridors...