River Rock - Climbing

Review

Intro

As the name suggests, River Rock is a spot on the banks of the Truckee River between Truckee and Reno. It features a mix of sport and trad climbing and is known as a great place to learn lead climbing. 

What Makes It Great

This west facing wall gets a lot of afternoon sun, making it more popular in colder months than during the peak of the summer season. The close proximity of the river and the shade at the base of the rock make this a great place to hang out for a whole day even during warm weather, however. 

River Rock is a granite formation featuring beginner and intermediate climbs, making it a go to area for learning and teaching. It is very accessible from both the Reno and Truckee areas, making it a pretty popular and well known location for climbers in the area. 

To find the approach, walk down the bank towards the river and cross the railroad tracks. You will see the dam and the bridge you will want to cross to get to the other side of the Truckee river. From there, follow the path along the river until you see the face of River Rock. 

Like many climbing areas in the Tahoe region, this rock offers something for everyone. One of the easier routes, UNR Crack, is rated at 5.7 and named after the closest university. 

Who is Going to Love It

The moderate climbs on this formation make it an ideal location for those newer to sport and trad climbing. This is also a great area for people who love to toprope, which can be done on almost every route. 

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Take the Farad exit off eastbound I-80 towards Reno. About 2 and a half miles from the exit you will see a wide pullout. Park here and walk downhill and across the railroad tracks to cross the foot bridge over the river. Continue along the path until you see River Rock on your right.