ActivitiesRock ClimbingPhantom Spires
Phantom Spires
South Shore, rock climbing, intermediate 5.8–5.11
In short: Phantom Spires is a spot for rock climbing in the Lake Tahoe area, on the South Shore. Known for: south shore hidden gem; quality granite sport crag; bolted routes in the 5.8–5.11 range. Level: Intermediate 5.8–5.11.
Where it is
Loading map…
Details
- South shore hidden gem
- Quality granite sport crag
- Bolted routes in the 5.8–5.11 range
- Quieter than Lovers Leap
- 30 min from SLT
- Short approach through pine forest
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
- Sugarloaf Buttress1.2 mi, moderate 5.5–5.10
- REI — South Lake Tahoe4.9 mi
Nearest campgrounds
- Fallen Leaf Lake Campground0.9 mi, 206 sites
- Camp Richardson — RV Village3.3 mi, 98 sites
- Campground by the Lake4.9 mi, 170 sites