Castle Rock - Summit Rock - Mount Tamalpais - Pinnacles - Joshua Tree

Rock Climbing Summit Rock in the South Bay Area

A great alternative to Castle Rock is the neighboring Summit Rock, located within the Sanborn-Skyline County Park. A short 0.4 mile hike along a forested fire road brings you to the top of Summit, and it's expansive views of the South Bay. Unfortunately, such a beautiful place has been marred by lots of glass from broken bottles, so closed-toed shoes are essential. The litter on the ground will be quickly forgotten as you step onto the incredible climbing routes, ideal for intermediate or advanced climbers. A rare gem in this region, Summit offers Yosemite-like cracks and chimneys, as well as difficult faces to further expand and hone your skills. Summit Rock is about 75 feet tall, and overhangs in several sections, offering some of the more sustained climbing in the area. There are also easier climbs to enjoy, and lunch on top of Summit Rock promises an amazing view, and if you’re lucky, a red tailed hawk circling in an updraft. Outback Adventures guides trips and teaches rock climbing lessons at Castle Rock State Park just across the road.