Its the start of Summer in SoCal! Which means time for the 100+F weather in the Inland. One great place to climb and just chill out with friends (and non-climber friends) is Corona Del Mar – Pirates Cove for beach bouldering!

The rock is super soft sandstone, and if you plan to climb expect to grab on some moist and sandy holds. There is a large cave area that holds a few great problems. The height ranges from ~15ft-25ft. You can live not bringing a crashpad in a few areas, the sand can be a great medium to absorb falls. Bringing a large brush and rug helps to get the sand off your climbing shoes before you get on the rock. I found myself spending more time trying to brush off sand off the holds than actual climbing.

This place is a gem. The stonemasters would hang out and climb here back in the day, and its great place to get your beach and climb on…. or in my case some tree climbing on.

I went with great group of people, good times. It is starting to be an annual trip for us. I have to admit, I probably slept on the beach more than climbing. Ha, which is why I was lazy and didnt take any pictures during the actual climb time.

There’s so much to do on this beach. If you get here early enough on the weekends there is free parking up on the street, and you can get a group fire-pit to roast s’mores when the sun sets at 8pm. But dont expect to get any climbing done in the cave when its memorial/July 4th weekend at Corona Del Mar. Unless your comfortable making things awkward for the hoards of bodies camping out under the climbs *lands on a child*

“Excuse me? Do you mind if I climb over you for a few seconds?”

“….sure, just dont get sand in my potato salad.”

done.

I hope everyone has a great summer. Ive always wondered, where is your local summer climbing place?

Chill out & Climb on!

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-Natalie Duran