Rock Climbing in the Southern California Needles
The Needles of Southern California are a remarkable place. The area hovers on the margins of most climbers’ radars; a place they have heard of but never quite managed to get to. Yes, the Needles can be a spooky place to climb. But they offer one of the best aesthetics anywhere. Glowing green and fluorescent yellow lichen coat impeccable granite and the spires soar into the blue skies of the Golden State.
The drive is long and winding, through some of the least populated parts of the southern Sierra. While Dome Rock is barely a stone’s throw from the vehicle, the main Needles group is a two-mile hike in. Summers are hot so we plan trips for the spring and fall.
The climbing is some of the finest in the state with the classic White Punks on Dope reputed to be the best moderate climb in the state.
In 2012 the Sequoia National Forest granted Sierra Mountain Center a permit to guide in Needles. It took us many decades of applying but we are now the only guide service able to guide Needles climbs.
Come climb with us and return home with an unforgettable experience etched into your emotions.
We offer three different camps, each three days long:
