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So-So Grotto Rock Climbing
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| Elevation: | 3,406 ft |
| GPS: |
40.79552, -123.52377 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
| Page Views: | 18,952 total · 152/month |
| Shared By: | Lurk Er on Jan 28, 2014 |
| Admins: | Rick Shull, Lurk Er, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes |
Description
Relatively new climbing area. The rock is (metamorphosed?) granite, a nice change from the ubiquitous limestone of the North Coast. Rock quality goes from excellent to so-so, hence the name. As with any newer spot (or most areas in Humboldt), BE AWARE OF LOOSE ROCK.
Currently holds a smattering of bolted and gear routes, as well as a large and primarily undeveloped boulderfield. The routes are generally long, and could use a little more traffic. The Grotto hosts by far the best trad climb in the area, the 140' long Gnar-Gnar.
The majority of routes (on the main wall) face generally south, making this a fall/spring destination, although good conditions can potentially be found year-round.
Currently holds a smattering of bolted and gear routes, as well as a large and primarily undeveloped boulderfield. The routes are generally long, and could use a little more traffic. The Grotto hosts by far the best trad climb in the area, the 140' long Gnar-Gnar.
The majority of routes (on the main wall) face generally south, making this a fall/spring destination, although good conditions can potentially be found year-round.
Getting There
The directions in the Bigfoot Country Climbing guidebook are absolutely wrong. Following the directions below should get you there fairly easily. 4WD/high clearance recommended for the last 1/2 mile, although you can just walk it as well.
If heading east on Hwy 299 from Arcata, take a right on Underwood Mountain Road/5N60, just outside of the small town of Burnt Ranch. After 3.1 miles, take a right on 5N27; another 1.1 miles, take a right on 5N10; another 0.4 miles, take a left on an unmarked road; another 0.7 miles, park at the huge clearing/landing.
Continue hiking down the road for ~5 minutes and look for a fairly obvious trail on the left. Follow the trail downhill for another 5 minutes, crossing over a small pond. Just after the pond, you should arrive on top of the large chasm that is the Grotto. Head down the trail on the left side. At the bottom of the trail, the large crag on your right is the Main Wall.
A nice campsite can be found just down the road from the old logging landing/parking area.
If heading east on Hwy 299 from Arcata, take a right on Underwood Mountain Road/5N60, just outside of the small town of Burnt Ranch. After 3.1 miles, take a right on 5N27; another 1.1 miles, take a right on 5N10; another 0.4 miles, take a left on an unmarked road; another 0.7 miles, park at the huge clearing/landing.
Continue hiking down the road for ~5 minutes and look for a fairly obvious trail on the left. Follow the trail downhill for another 5 minutes, crossing over a small pond. Just after the pond, you should arrive on top of the large chasm that is the Grotto. Head down the trail on the left side. At the bottom of the trail, the large crag on your right is the Main Wall.
A nice campsite can be found just down the road from the old logging landing/parking area.
Classic Climbing Routes at So-So Grotto
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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