Most people react with disbelief when you say there's a place to go outdoor rock climbing in Orange County. Outside of a few bouldering areas most of places we climb are too far away for an after work climbing session but there is the small area off Ortega Highway known as Ortega Falls which has a few top rope / trad routes for those willing to brave the canyon traffic.

We planned this for a weeknight since I seem to have filled up all the weekends with out of town trips through at least October. Heat was a concern (especially with the record heat we've been seeing lately) but the alcove where the climbs are located does get shade relatively early and if you're lucky you get a bit of a breeze up top.

July 24th, 2018

Ortega Falls Climbing Area

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