Stonewall Peak - Rancho Cuyamaca State Park - Climbing

Review

Intro

Stonewall Peak is in Rancho Cuyamaca State Park, near Cuyamaca Peak, one hour east of San Diego. This is a beautiful and rugged place to climb and is home to some seriously classic routes. Climbing is mostly trad and while there aren't a ton of routes, the quality of the rock and the creativity needed to dial in the lines is well worth the visit. 

What Makes It Great

 Have a full rack and be prepared for cracks. The summer is hot, so be sure to start early and bring lots of water. Enjoy climbing at Stonewall Peak! Here's a collection of some of the best routes:1) Little Diherdal 5.7 Trad, 1 pitch (Upper Tier) 2) Slim Shady 5.8 Trad, 1 pitch (Lower Tier)3) Smoky Strikes back 5.9 Trad, 1 pitch (Lower Tier) 4) Babirs on Fire 5.9 Trad, 1 pitch (Upper Tier) 5) The Friction Route 5.9 Trad, 1 pitch (Lower Tier) 6) Frito Bandito 5.9 Trad, 1 pitch (Lower Tier) 7) Armed and Dangerous 5.10 Top Rope (Upper Tier) 8) Green Dihedral 5.10 Trad, 1 pitch (Upper Tier) 9) Peace in Mississippi 5.10 Sport, 1 pitch (Upper Tier) 10) The Sardonic Lady 5.10 Trad, 1 pitch (Upper Tier)

Who is Going to Love It

Trad climbers who want to enjoy a hike to reach the climbing will love what Stonewall Peak has to offer. Organically, the place feels like it belongs in another era, when climbing was less about what numbers you were pulling and more about unlocking the potential of the rock. 

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Take the 8 to highway 79. Park on the left side of the road in Paso Picacho campground for a small fee. Cross the road and head up the hiker's trail.