Kirkwood Climbing

This digital Kirkwood climbing guidebook gives you GPS navigation, verified topos, and beta for hundreds of climbs. Explore classics and hidden gems with offline access to maps, directions, and beta videos. Whether it's your first visit or fiftieth, KAYA makes your Kirkwood days smoother, safer, and more dialed.

The Kirkwood Areas include several satellite zones between Carson Pass and Carson Spur. Most of the spots are near beautiful alpine lakes and the views are stunning. The rock quality varies quite a bit from spot to spot. Starting at the Miess Boulders on Carson Pass, the climbing is good, but the rock can be a little grainy at times. As you work your way towards Carson Spur, the rock becomes perfect bulletproof granite. I'm not sure why this is, but it likely has something to do with the way the glacier moved through the area and the amount of sun and wind each area receives. Ea... Show more

This digital Kirkwood climbing guidebook gives you GPS navigation, verified topos, and beta for hundreds of climbs. Explore classics and hidden gems with offline access to maps, directions, and beta videos. Whether it's your first visit or fiftieth, KAYA makes your Kirkwood days smoother, safer, and more dialed. The Kirkwood Areas include several satellite zones between Carson Pass and Carson Spur. Most of the spots are near beautiful alpine lakes and the views are stunning. The rock quality varies quite a bit from spot to spot. Starting at the Miess Boulders on Carson Pass, the climbing is good, but the rock can be a little grainy at times. As you work your way towards Carson Spur, the rock becomes perfect bulletproof granite. I'm not sure why this is, but it likely has something to do with the way the glacier moved through the area and the amount of sun and wind each area receives. Each area has gems worth checking out. The areas near Kirkwood Lake have the best concentration of quality problems. The Roadkill Boulder has a great V5 lip traverse called "Inchworm." My favorite climb in the entire area is a radical V8 overhang to lip encounter known as "Amazing Gift." This line is incredible—an absolute must do. Most of these spots have a lot to offer novices as well, and you will find many classic easy climbs on stellar rock. Keep in mind Kirkwood is high elevation bouldering. On an average year it may be July before things dry out up here. DRIVING: From South Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 89 south over Luther Pass. Take a right on Hwy 88 toward Kirkwood at Picket's Junction and drive to Carson Pass. All the areas utilize many different parking spots between Carson Pass and Carson Spur. Please find specific approach beta for each Subarea.