Rock climbing in Castle Rock State Park, near San Francisco

From forests and caves to jaw-dropping views, Castle Rock State Park is the premiere place for rock climbing in the San Francisco region! This guided program puts you in one of Northern California’s most beautiful natural settings for a tailored adventure that combines awe-inspiring aesthetics with exhilarating ascents for an unforgettable experience!

Located south of San Francisco, just southwest of San Jose, Castle Rock State Park is a bastion of rock climbing allure. With a strong supply of mouth-watering ascents, covering all of the sport’s disciplines, it is a popular area for beginners to learn the ropes and for grizzled veterans to stay in shape. The sandstone slabs make for happy route hunting along the more than 350 routes, all with varying levels of shape and size.

Your program is crafted to provide a personalized experience in this stunning setting. My expertise in climbing and knowledge of the area will ensure you have a safe and satisfying climb, no matter what your needs and abilities are. Let me know what goals you want to achieve, and we will design a trip just for you. There is camping in Castle Rock, so we can even create a multi-day program for maximum exposure.

Beginning early in the day, our trips usually meet near Skyline Drive or Big Basin Way, depending on the location of the rock. From there, we will begin a full day of top notch instruction. There are plenty of bouldering spots, but the combination of trad, sport, and top rope lines makes for a mixed bag of climbing fun.

Routes can be found between Grades 5.6 and 5.12, with a few above and below this spectrum. Eagle Peak, California Ridge, and Goat Rock are known for their outstanding wilderness views, and can be accessed via different climbs. Lieback Corner (5.7 – Trad), Puckered Starfish (5.10a – Sport), Mullah (5.10a – Sport), and The Great Roof (5.11a – Top Rope) are just a few of the most popular routes.

The bouldering at Castle Rock is also known for its abundance and high quality, drawing climbers from across the state and the Western United States.

Beginners can learn the basics of climbing, like equipment usage and storage, movement on the rock, safety protocol, and so much more. If you are looking to build a framework of solid skills, this is a great place to start. More advanced climbers and mountaineers can expect to take on complex multi-pitches and lines.

Book this guided rock climbing program in Castle Rock State Park NOW and head to the south of San Francisco to reach some of the most beautiful and rewarding climbs in all of California!

If you wanted a program closer to – or inside – San Francisco, we can also enjoy a half-day rock climbing program at Beaver Street Wall in Corona Heights!