The Cleft is easily spotted on the approach drive to Hinkey Summit. The wall is pleasantly pocketed (perhaps more solid than the rock found on Hinkey Summit) and contains a multitude of moderate 400+ ft bolted sport climbs. Combined with quick walk-off it is quite easy to move quickly and link many of the routes in a single day. Due southeastern exposure, the Cleft goes into sun mid-morning and some of the climbs will feel a bit harder in the afternoon.

The Cleft is easily spotted on the approach drive to Hinkey Summit. The wall is generally lower angle (especially at the top), has pretty good rock quality, is pleasantly pocketed, and contains numerous moderate 400 foot bolted sport climbs. Combine all this with a quick walk off and it can be quite easy to climb many of these multi-pitch routes in a single day. Due to it's west-southwest exposure, the Cleft gets from sun mid-morning until late afternoon.

From downtown Winnemucca, drive to Melarkey Street and turn north (this road eventually turns into Hwy 95) for about 22 miles. Turn right at the Sinclair gas station (essentially the last stop for beer, snacks, gas, and a toilet). Follow Hwy 290 northeast for about 18 miles until you reach the town of Paradise Valley, a very pleasant little cowboy town. At the north end of town, turn right at the T. Cross the small bridge and immediately take a left (north) onto the Hinkey Summit Road. Follow this road north for 13.1 miles until you reach a hairpin corner in an aspen grove (pavement ends after 3 miles). Park here or 1/10th of a mile back in a small pullout on the side of the road. 

The hiking "trail" varies from faint to relatively well-defined, depending on the season. It begins in on the aspen grove corner and heads east towards the giant cleft wall. You have to pass through 2 drainages to get to the base of the wall. See the overview map for a general hiking trail route.

Great camping is available 3 miles past Hinkey Summit (almost 8000 feet) at the Forest Service operated Lye Creek Campground.