Rock Climbing in Los Angeles

• Neighborhoods
• Sights & Beaches
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Entertainment
• Shopping
• Activities
• Travel Tips
• Features

Rock Climbing

Los Angeles has several excellent indoor facilities, but you came here for the great outdoors, and there's lots of that to be had. In the San Fernando Valley, Stoney Point (Off Topanga Canyon Blvd. south of Hwy. 18 in northern Chatsworth) is the top choice, both historically -- it's where Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard made his name as a rock climber -- and practically, since the 300-foot-high boulders can accommodate all skill levels. If a bit of a journey, Vasquez Rocks is pretty surreal and offers good climbing for beginners and the more experienced. The area, named for the 19th-century bandit who hid out among the rocks, is in northeastern L.A. County. For more information, check with the County Department of Parks and Recreation (213/738-2961. www.lacountyparks.org). Near the Malibu Creek State Park visitor center (4 mi south of U.S. 101 on Las Virgenes-Malibu Canyon Rd.), the Planet of the Apes Wall and the Ghetto Wall make for good climbing, but not for beginners. It's busy on weekends. The cliffs behind beautiful Point Dume Beach (South end of Westward Beach Rd.) in Malibu are likewise pretty challenging and hopping on weekends. Check out www.socalclimbingclub.com for some opinionated advice on climbing in the L.A. area.

If you're a total beginner, for your own safety you're best off starting out at an indoor facility; and the best of L.A.'s have engaging routes for advanced climbers, too. One centrally located indoor rock gym is Rockreation (11866 La Grange Ave., West L.A. 310/207-7199. www.rockreation.com/lahome.html). It has 9,000 square feet of climbing space, with 24 routes on approximately 20- to 25-foot walls. Belayers (spotters) keep an eye on you and give lessons.