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Camping & Climbing @Donner-Summit: Easytrad, Toprope & Big chief for sport!

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Hosted By
Mike D.
Camping & Climbing @Donner-Summit: Easytrad, Toprope & Big chief for sport!

Details

Donner Summit: Easy trad at School Rock and top Roping at Green Phantom and Peanut Gallery / Sport climbing at Big Chief.

NOTE: If you are RSVP, you agree to go to two days of climbing and camping and in order to reserve your spot. Please text the event organizer at 415-401-5809 to be added to the Donner Summit. Big Chief, WhatsAPP Planning chat! AGAIN, If you are RSVP, you agree to go to two days of climbing and camping and in order to reserve your spot. Please text the event organizer at 415-401-5809 to be added to the Donner Summit. Big Chief, WhatsAPP Planning chat!

Truckee offers some of the most accessible and scenic climbing in Northern California, with granite slabs, volcanic sport walls, and panoramic views of Donner Lake and the Sierra Nevada. Whether you're new to outdoor climbing or a seasoned multi-pitch adventurer, Truckeeโ€™s crags have something for everyone.

### ๐Ÿชจ School Rock

  • ๐Ÿ“ School Rock on Mountain Project
  • ๐Ÿงฑ Type: Trad, Top Rope
  • ๐Ÿง—โ€โ™€๏ธ Highlights: Multi-pitch granite slab climbing with beginner-friendly routes like Kindergarten Crack (5.5) and Junior High (5.6).
  • ๐Ÿš— Access: Just off Old Highway 40 near Sugar Bowl, with shoulder parking and short approaches.
  • ๐Ÿงญ Vibe: Great for learning gear placement and rope systems. Clean granite, low-angle routes, and walk-off descents make it ideal for newer climbers or those brushing up on multi-pitch technique.

### ๐Ÿง— Green Phantom

  • ๐Ÿ“ Green Phantom on Mountain Project
  • ๐Ÿงฑ Type: Top Rope, Sport
  • ๐Ÿง—โ€โ™€๏ธ Highlights: Slabby granite with routes from 5.8 to 5.10+. Anchors are accessible from the top, and the area is shaded and less crowded.
  • ๐ŸŒ‰ Location: Just below the iconic Rainbow Bridge at Donner Summit.
  • ๐Ÿงญ Vibe: Perfect for warming up or practicing technique. Routes like Fine Line (5.9 crack) and Undercling Thing offer variety for mixed skill levels.

### ๐Ÿง—โ€โ™‚๏ธ Big Chief

  • ๐Ÿ“ Big Chief on Mountain Project
  • ๐Ÿงฑ Type: Sport
  • ๐Ÿง—โ€โ™€๏ธ Highlights: Over 100 bolted routes on volcanic tuff, ranging from 5.6 slabs to 5.12 test pieces.
  • ๐ŸŒ„ Location: High above Highway 89 with stunning views of the Truckee River Canyon.
  • ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ Approach: 10โ€“15 minute uphill hike from the parking area.
  • ๐Ÿงญ Vibe: Best for summer and fall. Big Chief is the sport climbing hub of the region, with walls like Center Wall, Honeycomb Wall, and Sawtooth Ridge offering diverse challenges.

## ๐Ÿง  Climbing Etiquette & Safety

Whether you're top roping at Green Phantom or tackling multi-pitch at School Rock, safety is key. Here are some essentials:

### ๐Ÿงฐ Gear & Setup

  • Always double-check your harness, knots, and belay system.
  • Use redundant anchors when setting up top rope systems.
  • Bring a helmetโ€”rockfall is real, even on well-traveled routes.

### ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Communication

  • Use clear climbing commands: โ€œOn belay?โ€ โ†’ โ€œBelay on.โ€ โ€œClimbing?โ€ โ†’ โ€œClimb on.โ€
  • Confirm understanding before leaving the ground.

### ๐ŸŒฒ Leave No Trace

  • Pack out all trash, including tape and snack wrappers.
  • Stay on trails and avoid trampling vegetation.
  • Respect other climbersโ€”share routes and keep noise to a minimum.

## ๐ŸŽ’ Packing List for Truckee Climbing Weekend (Sept 19โ€“21)

### ๐Ÿง— Climbing Gear

  • Climbing harness
  • Helmet
  • Climbing shoes
  • Rope (if you have one)
  • Quickdraws (for sport routes)
  • Anchor-building gear (slings, cordelette, locking carabiners)
  • Belay device
  • Chalk bag & chalk
  • Daypack for gear transport
  • Guidebook or downloaded route info

### ๐Ÿ•๏ธ Camping Gear

  • Tent โ›บ
  • Sleeping bag ๐Ÿ›Œ
  • Sleeping pad ๐Ÿง˜
  • Headlamp or flashlight ๐Ÿ”ฆ
  • Camp stove or cooking gear (optional)
  • Reusable water bottles or hydration system ๐Ÿ’ง
  • Cooler for food/snacks
  • Camp chair (optional)
  • Toiletries & sunscreen ๐Ÿงด
  • Bug spray ๐ŸฆŸ
  • Trash bags (Leave No Trace!)

### ๐Ÿ‘• Clothing

  • Climbing-friendly layers
  • Warm jacket for evenings ๐Ÿงฅ
  • Hat & sunglasses ๐Ÿงข๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ
  • Hiking shoes or approach shoes
  • Swimwear for Donner Lake ๐Ÿฉณ๐Ÿ‘™
  • Rain jacket (just in case)
  • Extra socks & underwear

### ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Food & Snacks

  • Breakfast items or plan to visit Wild Cherries โ˜•๐Ÿฅ
  • Packed lunches for Saturday & Sunday ๐Ÿฅช๐ŸŽ
  • High-energy snacks (trail mix, bars, fruit)
  • Dinner plans for downtown Truckee ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ•๐ŸŒฎ

COST:
$10 per person which includes campsite spot & assignment. Parking spot on a first come, first serve basis. Or overflow parking and camp firewood plus processing fee for event organizer.

* This meet up is subject to change based on hot or rainy weather.
** Once you are RSVP you agree to not hold Get your climb on or its event organizers liabille should any injuries occur while you're on the meet up. You are accountable for your own safety at all times during the meet up. Once the meet up ends you are Still accountable for yourself
***I will provide more details With links to each climbing area, And Google driving directions, carpooling in the WhasApp chat And provide a link to a google doc that Outlines that includes all our Climbing and camping detail information. Or text me at 415-401-5809.

Let me know if you have any questions In the What's Up chat?

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Get Your Climb On
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Granite Flat campground.
8898-8904 River Road ยท Truckee, CA
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