ActivitiesRock ClimbingDonner Summit
Donner Summit
North Shore, rock climbing, all levels — 5.4 to 5.13
In short: Donner Summit is a spot for rock climbing in the Lake Tahoe area, on the North Shore. Known for: historic California granite climbed since the 1930s; 200+ routes across dozens of formations; all grades. Level: All levels — 5.4 to 5.13.
Where it is
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Details
- 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
Go with a guide. Climb Tahoe-area granite with a local guide, from first top-rope to longer routes.
Guided rock climbingConditions today
- Right now
- 72°F, Sunny
- Today
- High 72°, low 48°
- Wind
- 8 mph
- Campfires
- Metal rings only
- TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
- ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
- FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°
Know before you go
- Gear
- Many of the classic routes are traditional climbs, so bring a full rack and know how to place it. Sport and top-rope areas are marked in the place details below.
- Descents
- Lovers Leap and several other crags use walk-off descents. Find the way down before you start up; it is hard to spot in fading light.
- Weather
- Granite stays slick after rain, and summer thunderstorms build fast. Be off the wall by early afternoon when storms are forecast.
- Guides
- New to the area or to trad climbing? Local guide services run day courses; shops listed below can point you to them.
More rock climbing within 5 miles
- Tunnel Rock Bouldering0.4 mi, v0–v8
Nearest campgrounds
- Tahoe State Recreation Area14.2 mi, 23 sites
- Lake Forest Campground14.3 mi, 20 sites
- Kaspian Campground17.1 mi, 10 sites