Holcomb Valley Pinnacles: Coyote Crag

Coyote Crag is perhaps the premier crag among the Holcomb Valley Pinnacles. Characteristic of the region, the crag offers superb quality granite and fun, well-bolted, moderate climbing. As one of the most prominent pinnacles in the area, the top-out at Coyote Crag provides sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Gold was found in Holcomb Valley in 1860, setting off a period of Wild West-style prospecting that produced the most wealth from gold of any Southern California mining district during the California gold rush. Abandoned mine shafts are easily found as you wander the area looking for the correct crag, and route developers paid homage to the gold rush era in many of the names they gave to climbing routes in the region.

Bolts in the Big Bear area tend to hold up well due to the dry climate, and trad placements enjoy excellent granite reminiscent of that in Joshua Tree National Park, though the rock is not as sharp on the fingertips. Big Bear can be climbed year round, though winter climbing is highly dependent on snowfall and summer climbing on heat. Classic routes at Coyote Crag include Coyotes at Sunset (5.8), Bye Crackie (5.7), and Golden Poodle (5.9).