How to Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge
The Cosumnes River runs close to the city of Sacramento in northern California, eventually emptying into the San Francisco Bay. As it runs through the mountains, the river has created a gorge through the Tahoe granite rocks outside the city of Placerville. The gorge has steep walls suitable for rock climbers of any skill level.
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Instructions
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Take Highway 50 south from Sacramento, or north from San Francisco.
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Take Missouri Flat Road from Highway 50. Go south approximately 2.8 miles to the town of Diamond Springs.
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Turn left (east) in Diamond Springs on Pleasant Valley Road. Continue for 4.7 miles. At the stop sign go right (south) on Bucks Bar Road.
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Park before the hairpin turn protected by guard rail, about 3.1 miles from the last turn. This is the trailhead.
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Hike for 10 minutes to the Cosumnes River Gorge.
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Select a climbing route based on your skills. Most routes are on the parking side of the gorge. They average 40 feet. On the other side of the gorge are several harder routes. The Cosumnes Gorge has areas suitable both for climbing with ropes and pitons and for free climbing.
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Tips & Warnings
The Cosumnes River has several areas suitable for swimming close to the rocks of the Cosumnes Gorge.
Start climbing early in the summer because the days can be quite hot in California.
While the gorge itself is easy to find, getting on the appropriate climbing routes may require a guide.
Be careful during flood season. There are no dams on the Cosumnes River, and the currents in flood waters can be quite strong.
Use appropriate security equipment.
Select a route that is appropriate for your skills.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
