ActivitiesRock ClimbingTop 3

Top 3 climbing areas near Lake Tahoe

Three places to start with, picked from the 15 in our rock climbing guide. Open a box for the details.

  1. Number 1: Lovers LeapSouth Shore, All levels — 5.5 to 5.13The signature crag: more than 100 routes on granite, from 5.5 to 5.13.
    • The signature Tahoe-area crag. 100+ routes on perfect granite slabs and faces
    • 5.5–5.13c
    • Sport & trad
    • Walk-off descents
    • Roadside parking
    • Open year-round
    • 45 min from SLT

    Full detailsSee its pin on the mapMore on mountainproject.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Number 2: Donner SummitNorth Shore, All levels — 5.4 to 5.13Historic granite with 200+ routes, climbable early in the season.
    • Historic California granite climbed since the 1930s
    • 200+ routes across dozens of formations
    • All grades
    • South-facing — climbable earlier in season
    • 30 min from Tahoe City

    Full detailsSee its pin on the mapMore on mountainproject.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Number 3: Luther SpiresSouth Shore, Beginner–Intermediate 5.6–5.11Bolted routes and a 10-minute approach: a good place to learn to lead.
    • Bolt-protected sport climbing on sunny south-facing granite
    • Short 10 min approach
    • Beginner and intermediate friendly
    • Multiple walls
    • Year-round
    • Popular for learning to lead outdoors

    Full detailsSee its pin on the map

See all 15 placesOpen the climbing map