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How to Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge

The Cosumnes River runs close to the city of Sacramento in northern California, eventually emptying into the San Francisco Bay. As it runs through the mountains, the river has created a gorge through the Tahoe granite rocks outside the city of Placerville. The gorge has steep walls suitable for rock climbers of any skill level.

Rock-climbing equipment

Instructions

- 1
  Take Highway 50 south from Sacramento, or north from San Francisco.
- 2
  Take Missouri Flat Road from Highway 50. Go south approximately 2.8 miles to the town of Diamond Springs.
- 3
  Turn left (east) in Diamond Springs on Pleasant Valley Road. Continue for 4.7 miles. At the stop sign go right (south) on Bucks Bar Road.
- 4
  Park before the hairpin turn protected by guard rail, about 3.1 miles from the last turn. This is the trailhead.
- 5
  Hike for 10 minutes to the Cosumnes River Gorge.
- 6
  Select a climbing route based on your skills. Most routes are on the parking side of the gorge. They average 40 feet. On the other side of the gorge are several harder routes. The Cosumnes Gorge has areas suitable both for climbing with ropes and pitons and for free climbing.