How many routes are there at Smith Rock?
Smith Rock is home to 2,000 routes. This world-renowned climbing destination offers a vast array of climbing opportunities for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Smith Rock State Park, located in Central Oregon, is celebrated globally for its extensive and diverse rock climbing options. With close to 2,000 routes, climbers can find everything from fourth class scrambles to challenging 5.14 sport climbs. This immense variety ensures that climbers have a lifetime of exploration available within the park's unique volcanic tuff formations.
A Climber's Paradise: Exploring Smith Rock's Routes
The sheer number and variety of routes at Smith Rock make it a premier climbing destination. Here's what contributes to its reputation:
- Quantity and Diversity: The park boasts nearly two thousand established climbing routes. These routes cater to a wide spectrum of climbing disciplines and difficulties.
- Sport Climbing: Many of Smith Rock's routes are fully bolted sport climbs, making them accessible to a broad range of climbers.
- Traditional Climbing: While less prevalent than sport routes, there are also opportunities for traditional climbing, offering a different challenge.
- Bouldering: Beyond roped routes, numerous bouldering problems are scattered throughout the park.
- Grade Range: Routes span a comprehensive range of difficulty, from entry-level fourth class ascents to highly technical 5.14 climbs. This means climbers can progress their skills within the same park.
- Fourth Class: Scrambling terrain, often requiring hands for balance, but typically not needing ropes.
- 5.14: Extremely challenging, overhanging, and technical climbs, representing the pinnacle of sport climbing.
- Route Features: The unique volcanic rock (welded tuff) provides distinct climbing features, including crimps, pockets, and columns, which contribute to the technical and engaging nature of the climbs.
| Route Grade Range | Description | Examples at Smith Rock (General) |
|---|---|---|
| 4th Class | Easy scramble, hands often used for balance | Approach trails, some low-angle sections |
| 5.6 - 5.9 | Beginner to Intermediate, solid holds | Popular introductory sport climbs |
| 5.10 - 5.11 | Intermediate to Advanced, more technical | Many well-known sport routes |
| 5.12 - 5.13 | Advanced, challenging, small holds, overhanging | Iconic sport routes |
| 5.14+ | Elite-level, extremely difficult and sustained | "Just Do It" (5.14c), "To Bolt or Not to Be" (5.14a) |
For more detailed information on specific routes and climbing areas, climbers often consult guidebooks and online resources like Mountain Project or local climbing shops. Always ensure you have the appropriate gear and knowledge for the routes you attempt.
