Courtright Reservoir

Overview

*CURRENT INFORMATION*: It is official....Courtright Reservoir is now OPEN as of June 28th 2010.

Hidden well within the boundries of the Sierra National Forest is Courtright Reservoir, the "lost sister" to the ever captivating Tuolumne Meadows. Located 2 hours east of Fresno, Courtright boasts of the same qualities as that of the terrain found in the high country of Tuolumne. Pristine, high quality granite domes torture the climbers imagination and entices any adventurer to scout the infinate possibilities. The signature landmark upon entering the Courtright area is the 500 foot high Power Dome. Teeming with a host of 5-pitch, friction scare-a-thons, Power Dome will make a marked impression in the minds and hearts of inspiring rock jocks. Scattered around the perimeter of the reservoir are a myriad of other domes and walls. Trapper, Spring, Maxon, Penstemon and Dusy are just a few domes that provide countless adventures, where traditional and sport climbs abound. Although the domes provide ample friction, smear and fine edge climbing routes, Courtright also offers several crack climbs at areas like Tiger Wall and Tiger Cage (featuring the hailed twin splitter, "This Pussy Eats You"). The Sequoia/Kings Canyon guidebook by Sally Moser, Greg Vernon and David Hickey, has dedicated over a third of the books contents to Coutright Reservoir alone!! Best of all, you won't find yourself pulling from the ticker- tape to wait your place in line for a route. The majority of the visitors that frequent Courtright are fishermen. And, of course, the final beauty of the place is that the camping is FREE and so are the spectacular views into the Goddard Divide.

Getting There

Most people from the Bay area or Los Angeles will drive to Fresno via Hwy 99 South or North, respectively. Once in the Fresno city limits, take Hwy 180 East toward Kings Canyon. Stay on the 180 until the exit appears for Hwy 168 East. Exit onto Hwy 168 and travel its length to the town of Shaver Lake (30 miles), passing the small town of Prather along the way. After Prather, Hwy 168 will become a 4-lane road heading up a moderately steep grade. The highway will return to a 2-lane road at the top of the grade before reaching the mountain town of Shaver Lake (another 4 miles, once the highway returns to 2-lanes again). Just inside the town limits of Shaver Lake, turn right onto Dinkey Creek Rd. Follow this for approximately 11 miles to almost the roads end. Prior to the road ending (approx. 1/4 mile) is McKinley Grove Rd. Turn right onto McKinley Grove Rd and over the bridge that crosses Dinkey Creek. Follow McKinley Grove Rd. for approximately 13 miles till one reaches a signed intersection for Courtright and Wishon Reservoirs (this sign appears after travelling on the only mile long straight section of McKinley Grove Rd!). Turn left for 'Courtright Reservoir' and follow this single lane access road for approximately 8 miles to the reservoir. You'll know you're there when you get your first amazing eyeful of Power Dome on the right side, prior to arriving at the shore side of the reservoir. Total approximate distance travelled from Fresno is 100 miles and takes roughly 2 and half hours to complete.....but 'oh-so' worth it!

"The Playground"

This section is a summary of the domes and walls featured at Courtright. Of course, an adventursome spirit is warranted to explore the overall area but the use of the 'Southern Sierra Rock Climbing: Sequoia/Kings Canyon' guidebook is extremely helpful. This guidebook provides ample information on the "how's, where's, what's and when's" to Courtright climbing.

The listing of domes and features are in order of the most southern feature to the most northern feature (based on moving counterclockwise around the reservoir):

Dome Of The Immaculate Conception (aka Notre Dome)
+ The dome features sustained micro edging and several clean cracks (mostly 5.10's).

-Lost Canyon Wall
+ Located to the east by following the Short Hair Creek, this wall features some moderate yet wildly exposed climbs. It also has its share of steep and overhanging routes (5.7 to 5.11).

-Tiger Cage
+ Hidden to the east, just a few hundred yards off of Courtright Rd and slightly south of the reservoir, Tiger Cage has a variety of climbs: thin friction slab, steep face and cracks. Be sure to check two of its classics: 'This Pussy Eats You' (.10b), a nice lead climb for potential crack feinds, and 'Little Black Sambo' (a 5.9, not identified in the SeKi guide). The later climb is located on the left most part of the wall and features delicate friction. A good lead warm up for the ever classic multi-pitch 'A Little Nukey' (5.9-) on Power Dome. There are several anchors that can be accessed on top for top roping most routes.

-Tiger Wall
+ Located next to Tiger Cage, this 75 foot orange and black overhanging wall covers stout face and crack climbs ranging from mid 10's to burly 12's. Recommended routes: 'Hungry Tiger' (.10b) and 'Tiger By The Tail' (.11c)

-Broken Tiers/Transformer Wall
+Located down in the Helms Canyon, next to the reservoir spillway, this wall seldoms sees traffic due to loose rock. However, there are some selected routes that won't disappoint crack climbers: 'American Pie' (a 3 pitch, 5.9) and 'Knappy Sack' (a mellow 50 foot.10a)

-Power Dome
+Located in the Helms Canyon, one can spot this dome to the right from Courtright Rd. (upon entering the area). This dome is the hallmark of Courtright and rightly so. Power Dome hosts some bold friction climbs with the occasional solution pocket for psychological comfort. A word of caution: most routes are runout like the routes in Tuolumne! Rest assured, Power Dome claims several classics: 'Welcome To Courtright' (5.10a), 'A Little Nukey' (5.9-), Eve Laeger's route 'Esto Power' (.10d) and 'Consider Me Gone', a sphincter tighting 5.10c....tough for it's grade!

-Punk Dome
+If your skills aren't in the highly honed catagory, Punk Dome will surely make a punk out of you! With nothing easier than 5.10, Punk Dome is located southeast from the reservoir (next to Penstemon and Dusy Domes). However, this dome has only four reported routes on it with loads of first ascent potential (ranging from 5.10-5.12). Recommended climb: 'Reach For the Sky' (5.11a) which starts at a bleached white section, on the left side of the dome.

-Penstemon Dome
+Some liken this dome to a classic backcountry dome with only a 15 minute approach. This dome is located east of Punk Dome. Most routes are steep friction/edging climbs or crack corners. Highlights to Penstemon: Rope-A-Dope (5.8), Shake the Flake (5.9), Song Of The Earth (5.10a) and a route unnamed, left of 'Song Of The Earth'. The guidebook shows the crux to be 5.11 but has been downrated to .10b (at best).

-Dusy Dome
+Due to its proximity to Punk and Penstemon Domes, this dome is hardly frequented by climbers. Although it is host to many challenging steep slab climbs, Dusy shouldn't be passed up. Climbs range from 5.7 to 5.11a R/X. A couple of new routes have appeared since the SeKi guide was published. This page maintainer found a diamond in the rough that sent shivers down my spine and brought my Elvis shakey legs to life! This route, 'Champion Of None' (5.10b R), is located 30 feet left of 'Neener, Neener' . Immediately left of 'Chapion Of None' is route called 'Kick, Thrash, Jab' (.10b). 'The amazing thing about Dusy......not a speck of exfoliation flakes, just super clean granite. Not to be missed!

-Voyager Rock
+ Located directly east of the reservoir, this dome is where heros are made and cowards are sent home! Traditional by nature, Voyager features many crack routes and even a few aid lines (Doughballs On a Rampage 5.11a A2....put up by SP's very own, Kris Solem). This dome was once featured in an article of Climbing Magazine, exposing the hidden gems that Courtright features. Even Voyager's 'Ramp On' (5.6) makes for a wild challenge to the fledgling leader. Highlights to Voyager Rock: 'Smoke For Face' (5.11a, FA: Dwight Kroll) and 'By Jupiter, There Are Rings Around Uranus' (5.11d, FA: Herb Laeger and Kris Solem).

-Locke Dome
+Named after the late Bob Locke, Locke Dome is the most remote of all domes at Courtright. Situated past the northeastern shoreline of Courtright Reservoir, Locke Dome has only three routes upon its flanks but contains loads of route potential. If your willing to make the effort, hiking or boating, Locke will pay dividends to any backcountry climber.

-Leopold Dome
+Beyond the northern shore of Courtright is Leopold Dome. This dome has a wide array of climbs from beginner to expert. From crack to face, Leopold exhibits the same characteristics as Penstemon Dome. Most of the moderate climbs are well bolted and range from 5.7 to 5.8+. Don't miss some of the stiffer rated climbs such as 'Burnt Beyond Recognition' (5.10c), a total calf incinerator. Highlights to Leopold: 'Piss Flaps' (5.8+) and 'Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God' (5.10b).

-Trapper Dome
+If you haven't got your fill of sport climbs then Trapper Dome is where you want to go for "clip and go" routes. This dome is located on the western side of Courtright, left of the Trapper Springs Campground Rd. Within 10 minutes, you'll be cranking up high quality granite with generous amounts of fixed protection along the way. Even Trapper Dome's easiest route, Drill Instructor (5.4, 110 ft) covers 10 bolts to a chained belay!!! But as things stiffen up around its southwestern wall, you'll be praying for more, especially on routes like the 'Carson-Kodas Arete' (a super wild and exposed 5.11c). Highlights to Trapper Dome: 'I Wouldn't Wanna Be Like You' (5.10d/5.11b) , 'Zodiac Mind Warp' (5.10d) and 'Rhythm Divine' (5.10d).....all rating 4-star glory!

Red Tape/Camping

Although a fire permit is required for any campfire constructed in the national forest, the remaining amenities are FREE! All fire permits can be acquired at the Sierra National Forest HQ building, located in Prather along the 168.

There are also paid campsites available in Courtright, sponsored and maintained by PG&E. The camping fee per site is $15.00 per night. The campsite are provided with picnic tables, fire pits, water and pit toilets. There are two sites: Voyager Rock campground (14 campsites, tents only) is located on the southeast shoreline of the reservoir while Trapper Spings campground is located near the eastern shoerline, 2.2 miles to the north (following the single lane road along the east side of the reservoir). This campground has a total of 75 tents sites and 45 trailer sites. This campground is within stone's throw distance to both Spring Dome (aka Marmot Dome) and Trapper Dome.

For reservations to both campgrounds, call 877-444-6777 or TDD 877-833-6777.

As for other camping, respect the areas that are signed as "No Camping" areas. But for the most part, camping is FREE. Let's do our part as a climbing community and keep it that way! Respect all national forest rangers and PG&E employees.

When To Climb

The best time of the year to climb at Courtright is from late spring to late fall. Generally, PG&E maintains the access gate to Courtright (locate at the beginning part of the Courtright Rd). This gate usually opens on Memorial Day weekend or on a day that PG&E can access Courtright if the snow year was heavy. Closure depends on when the first good snow comes. The usual rule of thumb is follow the same closures observed as that of Tioga Road (Hwy 120). It will be PG&E's call when they will close the gate for the season. Check for gate conditions with the Sierra National Forest HQ in Prather (559) 855-5360 (press "0" for immediate transfer to a ranger). For all practical purposes, DO NOT call PG&E directly! The management with PG&E, at Wishon Reservoir, work hand in hand with the forest service and keep the national forest informed of all company activities, road closures and/or miscellanous information needed for recreationalists and visitors.

Daytime temps range from the low 60's to the low 80's, depending on the time of the year. Nightime temps usually range from the high 30's to the upper 50's.

Weather & Mountain Conditions

Thunderstorms have been known to blanket the area over the summer. But for the most part, blue skies and wide open vistas prevail.

For current weather conditions at Courtright Reservoir:

NOAA Forecast (Courtright Reservoir)

Additional Provisions

Wishon Reservoir (10 miles southeast) has additional resources available for that last minute, "Oops, I forgot that!", need. Located just prior to Wishon is the Wishon General Store. The store has a wide variety of goods (although fairly pricey) including wine and beer. Fuel, wood, fishing licenses ($10) and bait are also found there as well. Directly below the store is an RV campground that has coin operated showers (.75 cents per 5 minutes....but with an unlimited supply of hot water!) and coin operated washers and dryers, for that planned extended trip. Change to operate each can be acquired at the store as there are no change machines at the showers and laundry machines.

At the end of Dinkey Creek Rd., there is a small general store and gift shop called the Dinkey Creek Inn. Located on the right side, addtional provisions can be puchased there as well. They also serve a mean platter of chorizo and eggs. The Inn offers chalet rentals at anytime of the year ($85 daily on weekedays and $100 daily on weekends). The chalets can fit six people comfortably and houses a living room with fireplace, kitchen, bathroom, 2 bedrooms and a loft. Reservations are required.

200 yards up from the Dinkey Creek Inn is a group campground managed by the USGF (walk-in sites available). Rates are $15 a night. This campground gives access to the Dinkey Creek trail that leads to Dinkey Dome, home to many challenging multi-pitch rock romps. See the Sequoia/Kings Canyon, Southern Sierra Rock Climbs guide for details.

As a word of warning, there is NO GAS service at either store. The "last chance" for gas is located in the town of Shaver Lake.

As for the town of Shaver Lake, be sure to check out the following "grub stations":

* 'The Bru Ha Ha - they serve a New Belgium beer and make a damn good 1/2 lb cheeseburger. A pool table and live entertainment on Fridays are a hoot!

* 'The Falls' - quality eats, great beer and hospitality and a Sierra Nevada logging history lesson to boot!! Right across from Bru Ha Ha's

Note: The Sierra House is now CLOSED. For you frequent Courtright visitors....sorry! It was a great place to strap on the feedbag and drown in some micros.

For emergency use only:
Located next to the parking area and the boat launch is a repeater station with solar panels. On the front side is a covered telephone box. This phone can be used to call the PG&E dispatch for emergency use.

External Links

• Kim and I (mpbro) had a great weekend climbing with Dave Daly
  
  

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