Climbing Near Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Felton. Santa Cruz’s watersheds/watercourses hold a variety of polished granite crags, some reaching up to 50'. Many of the established climbing spots were bolted then abandoned in the 80's and 90's. The riverbed granite is solid in quality, often shaded, and always mossy. There's some great local crags that are being rediscovered, re-bolted (if needed) and cleaned in a responsible manner. Crowds are minimal, approaches are adventurous, and there’s often a swimming hole near by. HW 17, North of Santa Cruz before Scotts Valley, and HW 9 Before Felton. Current reestablishment is focusing on Carbonara Creek and the San Lorenzo River.

A lot of SC students fail to use this area to its full potential and use it only as a place to light up. Walk through the old amphitheater and take a right.

Santa Cruz is home to several unofficial bouldering and climbing spots located throughout campus. If you have never been to one them before definitely try to get someone who has been there before to lead you through the woods. Approach time varies from where you are on campus but most are within 15-20 mins of Bay Tree.