ACID CASTLES
Located a short distance above Lithia Park, Acid Castles is the most accessible outdoor rock climbing in Ashland. There are over 70 named routes, and more are being created all the time. There's also a lot of poison oak in the area, so be careful and stay on the trail. This is a great place to sneak in an evening climb, or spend a day bouldering with friends. Some of the routes are fairly exposed to the steep hillside, so make sure whoever you're climbing with is comfortable spotting you. Routes vary in length from fairly short to well over 10 feet high. Almost all routes are exposed to uneven ground, so a crash pad is highly recommended.
Rock Type:
Granite
Skill Level:
V0 to V4
Getting There & Map:
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From AOS head north on Siskiyou Blvd. Take a left onto Granite St.
Take a right on Nutley, a left on Alnutt, and then a right onto Strawberry Lane. Stay on Strawberry until you come to Hitt Road.
Find a place to park, being careful not to block private drives, and don't forget to set your emergency brake!
Walk around the green gate and down Hitt road a little ways until you see the trailhead.
Recommended Equipment
- Climbing Shoes
- Chalk Bag
- 1-2L Water
- 1-2 Crash pads
- Snacks
- Approach Shoes
Food & Water
Bring 1-2L of water, and some yummy snacks. Luckily the Acid Castle boulders are located very close to Ashland proper, so food is not far.
Additional Info
There is one finger crack that has anchor bolts on top of it. For purists, this climb can be lead on gear. It's also easily toproped. If you feel like top roping bring a set of 120cm slings and enough locking carabiners (4) to make a safe pre-equalized anchor. If you want to lead the short crack on gear, bring a set of small stoppers. Make sure you wear solid shoes. Glass and other sharp things exist in abundance on the ground within the Acid Castle boulders - courtesy of merry party goers on top of the rocks.
Respect the environment: don't tamper with plants or wildlife, and be sure to pack out your trash. Watch out for poison oak!
Resources & Links
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