Mission Gorge Climbing — Attraction in San Diego

This is the trail for rock climbers. It starts off not far from the visitors center and lots of easier trails. This one is all business and quickly takes you up the East side of the gorge with outstanding views. When you get close to the top there are plenty of places that the rock climbers will belay from. There’s a sign indicating the trail is done and difficult terrain ahead. I free climbed to the top to take the pictures and struggled coming down without ropes as footing was covered in brush. I first climbed this as a young man in 1978 with experienced climbers who introduced me to the sport. Great climb, great memories....

Been climbing here for a few years now. It’s a nice 1 mile hike up about 800 feet to 60-80 climbs, some of which have been there for decades. Community is friendly and welcoming. Some climbs are top rope, bolted for sport, or can only be lead with trad gear so there’s wide variety and it ranges from 5.2-5.14. The classic climbs are the most crowded but I can always find something to have fun on. Watch out for rattle snakes and bees. Gates to the parking lot close at sundown (7pm in summer and 5 pm in winter). There’s a nice visitor center and bathroom with a ranger station as well along with nature info and...

Classic climbing in San Diego. A.k.a. "the grunge" one can expect to find footwork difficult to get at first. But if you can learn to smear at rhe gorge, then your gonna be able to smear anywhere. I recommend doing Suzies Wild Ride, Hangmans Climb, Escapade, Quantum Leap, Dark Rider and General Dynamics. For those looking for a real challenge there is the Thumb, I wish you luck...