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Elevation: 2,539 ft 774 m
GPS: 37.9291, -122.578
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 194,976 total · 709/month
Shared By: Aron Quiter on Oct 5, 2002 · Updates
Admins: Aron Quiter, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: Park closed nightly from sunset to 7:00 am DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Located high above the North Bay, Mt. Tamalpais was once the site of an old hotel. While the hotel is gone, an observation tower remains on the East Peak, and is surrounded by jagged volcanic rock that holds some interesting climbing.

Containing mostly easier climbs (5.3 - 5.11b), Mt. Tamalpais is a great place to teach someone how to climb, set up a top rope, or for a first trad lead.

The climbing primarily faces east, and offers incredible views of the rest of the bay area. Because of it's direction, you'll find most of the climbing in the shade in the afternoon. If you're going to be there a while, don't forget to head up to the observation tower for an incredible Pacific sunset.

Due to the rugged nature of the rock, it's probably best to either walk off most climbs, or to rappel from the top.

Depending on the day, you may have to pay $8 to park in the park, but then again, you might not.

Always check the Mount Tamalpais State Park website for current information.

Getting There Suggest change

From the 101 North of San Francisco, exit the freeway and head north on the 1 towards Stinson Beach. A short while later, hang a left on Shoreline, until a fork in the road. At the fork, head left on Panormic Highway, which will also have a sign stating the correct direction to get to Mt. Tamalpais. Stay on Panoramic until you see yet another sign on the road, telling you to got right on Pantoll road.

Head 1.4 miles up Pan Toll Road, and then head right on East Ridgecrest Blvd, once again following the signs to Mt. Tamalpia's East Summit. The parking lot will be at the end of the road, 2.8 miles later. *Google Maps might tell you Pan Toll Road is closed, because it is only open 7 AM to sunset.*

All climbing is accessed via the Plank trail, which will have a sign stating .3 miles to the observation tower.

116 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Mount Tamalpais

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V2-3 5+
 37
Bootjack Arete
Boulder
V3 6A
 23
Scenic Cruise
Boulder
V4- 6B
 24
Instinct
Boulder
V4 6B
 50
Intuition
Boulder
V5 6C
 16
Snake Charmer
Boulder
V5 6C
 19
Instinct Sit
Boulder
V6- 7A
 38
Girl Power
Boulder
V6 7A
 32
Crumble Mumble
Boulder
V7 7A+
 14
Bonum Vitae
Boulder
V7 7A+
 16
The Little Adventure
Boulder
V7 7A+
 5
Adult Adventure
Boulder
V8 7B
 13
Campus Girlz
Boulder
V9 7C
 23
Wicked
Boulder
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 26
Equinox
TR
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a R
 19
Southeastern Arete
Trad, TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Bootjack Arete Mt Tam Boulders > Bootjack Boulders
 37
V2-3 5+ Boulder
Scenic Cruise Mt Tam Boulders > Bay View Boulder
 23
V3 6A Boulder
Instinct Mt Tam Boulders > Bootjack Boulders
 24
V4- 6B Boulder
Intuition Mt Tam Boulders > Bootjack Boulders
 50
V4 6B Boulder
Snake Charmer Mt Tam Boulders > ATF Boulder
 16
V5 6C Boulder
Instinct Sit Mt Tam Boulders > Bootjack Boulders
 19
V5 6C Boulder
Girl Power Mt Tam Boulders > Lakeview Boulders > Cairn Boulder
 38
V6- 7A Boulder
Crumble Mumble Mt Tam Boulders > Ravine Boulder
 32
V6 7A Boulder
Bonum Vitae Mt Tam Boulders > Ravine Boulder
 14
V7 7A+ Boulder
The Little Adventure Mt Tam Boulders > Lakeview Boulders > Pee Wee’s Playhouse
 16
V7 7A+ Boulder
Adult Adventure Mt Tam Boulders > Lakeview Boulders > Pee Wee’s Playhouse
 5
V7 7A+ Boulder
Campus Girlz Mt Tam Boulders > Lakeview Boulders > Cairn Boulder
 13
V8 7B Boulder
Wicked Mt Tam Boulders > Ravine Boulder
 23
V9 7C Boulder
Equinox Northern Formation, The
 26
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c TR
Southeastern Arete Leaning Tower, The
 19
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a R Trad, TR
More Classic Climbs in Mount Tamalpais »

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