Corte Madera
Status: Advisory (Mar 1 – Jul 31)
Land Ownership: Cleveland National Forest
Access Issues: Seasonal Raptor Nesting Advisories (Mar-Aug)
Climbing: Multi-Pitch Sport and Trad
Corte Madera is a multi pitch back-country crag where routes are accessed from the base (approach of 1 to 1-1/2 hours), or rappelled into (approach of 3/4 to 1-1/4 hours). Approach times vary depending on the use of four-wheel or two-wheel drive vehicles to access separate trail-heads (a high-clearance vehicle with four wheel drive is recommended). Many climbs top out; rap-descents are required -unless you first hike to the bottom (via a separate approach trail), climb to the top, and hike back to your car via the ridge trail. Corte Madera is located within the Descanso District of the Cleveland National Forest.
Nesting Advisory in Effect
Peregrine Falcons have been seen again this year and are suspected to be preparing to nest in the Paul Bunyan Wall area. The CNF has issued a closure from Mar 1 through Jul 31, 2012.
When to Climb
Most of the crag faces South and gets sun all day, but a number of routes on the satellite crags (El Nino, Video Dome, Rest Home) get morning or afternoon shade. Fall through Spring is generally the best, but since the crag sits at 4,000', even cooler Summer days can be climbable.
Guidebook info
- The ACSD Pocket Guide is the best reference for Corte Madera (ok, maybe we’re biased, but it really IS the best!) Available at REI (San Diego), www.gearcoop.com, Mesa Rim Climbing Center, and at ACSD Monthly Meetings
- San Diego County climbing guide by Dave Kennedy and Chris Hubbard.
- Corte Madera on www.MountainProject.com is a great resource for route beta, photos, comments, etc.
Directions
Directions: From San Diego, head east on I-8 to In-Koh-Pah Park road exit. The climbing is located near Elliot Mine at the end of a dirt road on the South side of the freeway (stay left at the first broad saddle and head towards the mine-look for the 'tailings' on a knoll to the southeast).
