Climb your first lead routes in a safe and fun setting. This one day course will cover important aspects of leading traditional climbing routes. Special emphasis will be put on the safe use of traditional gear, and all of your gear placements will be critiqued by your instructor. Other areas covered include runner and quickdraw use, clipping, lead belaying, and rope management. A top-rope belay will allow you to learn and practice your leading skills with confidence.
From San Jose, take Highway 85 North to the Saratoga Avenue exit. Turn left (Southwest) and follow the road through downtown Saratoga. Once in downtown Saratoga you will be on Highway 9. Continue on Highway 9 until you reach the stop sign at the summit. Turn left onto Skyline Boulevard. Follow the road for a few miles. The park will be located on your right. If you park in the main parking lot you will have to pay a $6 day use fee. Please allow yourself at least 30 minutes to get to Castle Rock after exiting Highway 85. Last food and gas is located in downtown Saratoga.
Meeting Place: Meet just outside the main parking lot at Castle Rock State Park.
From San Francisco: Take the Bay Bridge and follow the signs for the 80/580 interchange toward San Rafael then follow the directions below.
From San Jose: Take 880 North. Once you pass the Bay Bridge follow the signs for the 80/580 interchange toward San Rafael, then follow the directions below.
From Marin: Take the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge toward Richmond then follow the directions below.
Directions: From 80/580 in Berkeley, exit Buchanan Street and head East toward the hills. Buchanan Street will change its name to Marin Avenue. Once you pass up The Alameda there will be a center median that forces you to veer slightly right then left. Continue straight on Marin Avenue and pass through the roundabout. Drive about a half mile and make a right onto Regal Road. On the second bend in the road look for the Cragmont Rock Park on your right. Park alongside the road near the portable restroom.
Meeting Place: From the street, walk up the trail to your right and into a clearing. Meet your guide(s) at the picnic tables.
This trip takes place in multiple locations. Be sure you look at the correct location map for your trip below.