The coarse granite erratics that surround South Lake Tahoe make for a rock climbers dream. Positioned with views few could dream up, when you climb on the boulders of around Lake Tahoe, you are left breathless from the views and thin air. Not to mention a few cuts into your skin as you discover the gorgeous boulders bite back, viciously, as you work your way to the top. One of the best parts, the temps. As late spring rolls around and the snow melts, the boulders come alive and the project is perfect until the next snow.
South Lake Tahoe is home to over 200 bouldering projects with more being developed seasonally. Along the I-50 corridor there are several spots you can sneak into the national forest and boulder for a lifetime. If you are looking for hard boulders, head to Pie Shop and give Big Z (V16) a try. Because of the ideal temperatures, ample free camping, and quality of boulders, South Lake Tahoe is quickly becoming a destination boulder spot for California climbers looking to escape the heat.
Read on to learn where to go bouldering, read a personal adventure, and the best boulders in South Lake Tahoe.
Elliot working on a “highball” V2 in the Pie Shop area of South Lake Tahoe, CA. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Best Boulders in South Lake Tahoe:
Deciding what the best boulders are in Lake Tahoe is not something easy to do, especially since I haven’t climbed them all (i’m weak AF), so below is a list of solid boulders that should tickle your fancy:
South Lake Tahoe offers untapped bouldering potential for rock climbers of all levels
A Road Trip with Friends
Yup, I am a broke dirtbag living out of a beat up 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. The transmission went out and while I’m “stuck” in the Lake Tahoe area waiting for a paycheck, bouldering is my best way to pass time. Quite honestly, bouldering is bane of my existence. Growing up as a long-distance swimmer, a sprint just didn’t seem to be in my blood. However, here I am, crimping down and giving everything I have for a few seconds, in hopes of reaching the top of a boulder. Hell, I could just walk around the back, but for reason, I enjoy the contrived ethics of rock climbing.
My magical van under the stars, not broken down in Joshua Tree NP, CA.
Luckily, I grew up not far from Lake Tahoe, so this place doesn’t seem foreign while I wait, bit this also means I have “friends” who have moved here since high school. A couple of them rock climb throughout South Lake Tahoe on the weekends, as most live on the north shore, but few boulder. Luckily, bouldering doesn’t require much; a bouldering pad, some chalk, and climbing shoes. Some would argue that you don’t need all of that, but call me soft, I prefer to not break an ankle.
As a substitute teacher, I get a paycheck once a month, on the 10th. It’s the 5th. So, I have a few days to boulder, journal, stare at the sky, and dip in the lake. Not a bad life. I might be broke, but does it really matter? I don’t worry about much beside scary falls while bouldering. Truly, I don’t want to break an ankle. Reaching out to friends, during the week, most are busy, so I load up my pad and walk around Pie Shop looking for boulders to flail on. While in rock climbing area called Pie Shop, I take some time to notice the rock. It’s course. Tearing my fingertips as I try to crimp. If I plan to climb for the next 5-10 days, I can’t be crimping on this stuff. I think to myself. After the day is done and I’m a bit tired, I pull out the South Lake Tahoe Bouldering Guide Book to find a new place to go.
My van drives, but not well. It is ready to explode. So, I pick the next closest area for my next day; The Zephyrs. While in the guidebook, this place is not (well it wasn’t at the time of writing) on Mountain Project. I guess there is just that much rock to explore climbing on in Lake Tahoe. A bit confused by the map in the guide book, I made my way to boulders. DAMN! The view of Lake Tahoe from this spot is better than I have experienced before. A stunning place to climb, read, journal, and relax! Heck, even if I didn’t climb, I would hike up here just to sit on a boulder and watch the sunset.
Two days of bouldering alone was fun, but I definitely wanted some company. Thankfully, a few friends from Santa Cruz, CA were coming north to boulder! Of all the places and activities they could do, bouldering in South Lake Tahoe is where they came. Uber excited to show them around, we spent three days as a group four, with dogs, bouldering. My belly was hungry, but full of laughs, what a treat!
My check was deposited to my bank account, the van putted into the transmission shop, and within a day’s time, I was back on the road… headed to go teach some more, as I surely had no money for gas or food now.
Bouldering Areas of South Lake Tahoe:
South Lake Tahoe has more areas than I can count with my fingers and toes, so to make things easy, below are four of the better bouldering areas in South Lake Tahoe that offers problem for everyone, of every level.
Pie Shop - With some of the hardest lines and easiest lines, Pie Shop is the place where all levels can come to enjoy bouldering. The rock here is very sharp and unforgiving, so be aware of your skin. The walk in is short, but this is a big area, so navigating it can be a challenge for first timers.
Ice House - Somewhat out of the way and off the beaten path, Ice House provides a diverse selection of problems in the V3-6 range. Out here you wont find crowds, so come, chill, and enjoy the bouldering.
The Secrets - The name says it all. The Secrets are a trek and 4WD is needed, but trust me, you should make the trip out there. Over the last few years there has been a lot of development in this area, but the guide books are trying to keep up. I love this area because you can just wander the woods for more boulders and you can camp next to the boulders you want to climb on.
The Zephyrs - Growing in popularity, this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing places to boulder in Lake Tahoe. The sunset views from the main boulders overlook the entire lake, gorgeous! Just be ready to hike as the boulders are about 1.5-2 miles from the parking lot. Also note, there isn’t much parking.
A Photo Gallery of bouldering Areas in South Lake Tahoe:
Now that you have discovered where to go bouldering, read a personal adventure, and the best boulders in South Lake Tahoe, it’s time to grab your shoes and pads and head for the boulders. Enjoy tearing up your skin, soak in the views, and leave a comment below with any additional information that you think would be helpful for other climbers in the area.
