Los Padres National Forest

Any record of backcountry climbing behind piru? I’ve been doing work in a lot of remote areas just curious if anyone has put anything up back here or towards cuyama 

Take a look here if you haven’t. Definitely some talk about it if I remember correctly.

http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/133388/So-Cal-Obscura

drjman wrote: Take a look here if you haven’t. Definitely some talk about it if I remember correctly.

http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/133388/So-Cal-Obscura

Good information but luckily/unluckily it’s not any of the crags I’m talking about 

I too have been wondering about any route development out past Cuyama in the backcountry. Came across this cliff face over the summer on NFS land on my way driving back from an overnight backpacking trip. The approach up to it looked challenging with absolutely no signs of development. The rock quality was hard to judge from a distance. I have a feeling it's that awful crumbly sandstone but I would love to go back and check out it again sometime even just for the fun of it.

Andrew Spratt wrote: I too have been wondering about any route development out past Cuyama in the backcountry. Came across this cliff face over the summer on NFS land on my way driving back from an overnight backpacking trip. The approach up to it looked challenging with absolutely no signs of development. The rock quality was hard to judge from a distance. I have a feeling it's that awful crumbly sandstone but I would love to go back and check out it again sometime even just for the fun of it.

Planned to check that last time o was there but it rained us out. I should be there in a few weeks I’ll let you know how solid it is. 

Andrew Spratt wrote: I too have been wondering about any route development out past Cuyama in the backcountry. Came across this cliff face over the summer on NFS land on my way driving back from an overnight backpacking trip. The approach up to it looked challenging with absolutely no signs of development. The rock quality was hard to judge from a distance. I have a feeling it's that awful crumbly sandstone but I would love to go back and check out it again sometime even just for the fun of it.

Is that up by Lion Canyon? Beautiful back there. Also be aware that it's condor nesting territory.

Señor Arroz wrote:

Is that up by Lion Canyon? Beautiful back there. Also be aware that it's condor nesting territory.

It’s past lion canyon which is beautiful but the rock is really gritty. 

I have kayaked the canyon between Pyramid Lake and Lake Piru several times.  There is a lot of rock down there, some of it very big but unfortunately most of the rock quality is pretty bad.  One section of the river that flowed under one f these walls had daggers of rocks sticking into the riverbed, we paddled quickly in that section, it was pretty spooky.  Piru creek as it enter Pyramid Lake has some pretty cool looking rock that would be worthy of checking out but access is tough.  

DanielHart wrote:

It’s past lion canyon which is beautiful but the rock is really gritty. 

I think we're talking about different areas unfortunately. My picture is from out near the Santa Barbara Canyon.

Andrew Spratt wrote:

I think we're talking about different areas unfortunately. My picture is from out near the Santa Barbara Canyon.

Right I know it’s beside Fred Reyes ranch. That other picture is about lake pyramid in the headwaters of Piru Creek 

Sorry for the super blurry shot but you get the idea.  This is a bit above Pyramid Lake, the run between Hardluck Campground and the lake.   Lots of stone back in there just tough to get to now.  I think the road to Hardluck has been closed for several years now.

DanielHart wrote:

Right I know it’s beside Fred Reyes ranch. That other picture is about lake pyramid in the headwaters of Piru Creek 

Ah right on yeah we're talking about the same place. I knew I couldn't have been the only person to wonder if that formation is climbable or not. Feel free to send me a PM if you'd like another hand assisting any scoping out of the territory when you head out there.

Kevin Mokracek wrote:

Sorry for the super blurry shot but you get the idea.  This is a bit above Pyramid Lake, the run between Hardluck Campground and the lake.   Lots of stone back in there just tough to get to now.  I think the road to Hardluck has been closed for several years now.

I’m doing some restoration work so I’ve got to scope a few spots others can’t get to as easily. Hardluck has been closed for 12 years now. I camped back there in October it was very apocalyptic. 

Andrew Spratt wrote: I too have been wondering about any route development out past Cuyama in the backcountry. Came across this cliff face over the summer on NFS land on my way driving back from an overnight backpacking trip. The approach up to it looked challenging with absolutely no signs of development. The rock quality was hard to judge from a distance. I have a feeling it's that awful crumbly sandstone but I would love to go back and check out it again sometime even just for the fun of it.

Hey guys, I head back there all the time for work. That wall you're talking about is choss unfortunately. Conglomerated sandstone that breaks off oh so nicely in your hand. Beautiful stuff though.

Dave Meyer wrote: Hey guys, I head back there all the time for work. That wall you're talking about is choss unfortunately. Conglomerated sandstone that breaks off oh so nicely in your hand. Beautiful stuff though.

Figured as much. Thanks for the update!