California · Rock climbing · Markleeville

Second Alcove

Second Alcove in California has 8 climbing routes with bouldering, mixed, and trad styles.

8 routes
5.9 – 5.11a
Trad · Mixed · Bouldering

Is Second Alcove open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Carson Ranger District. It doesn't name Second Alcove, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Carson Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit Second Alcove

Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    43° / 18°

    9 wet

  2. Feb

    43° / 19°

    9 wet

  3. Mar

    48° / 24°

    10 wet

  4. Apr

    53° / 28°

    8 wet

  5. May

    62° / 33°

    7 wet

  6. Jun

    72° / 38°

    3 wet

  7. Jul

    80° / 43°

    2 wet

  8. Aug

    80° / 41°

    2 wet

  9. Sep

    73° / 35°

    3 wet

  10. Oct

    62° / 29°

    5 wet

  11. Nov

    51° / 23°

    7 wet

  12. Dec

    43° / 18°

    10 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at South Lake Tahoe Ap, CA, 11.7 mi away at 6,314 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Second Alcove is a climbing area in California's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, within the Carson Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the area sits close to several other climbing spots and a campground, making it a convenient base for a day or longer in the Carson region. The climbing here is a mix of traditional routes, with a few boulders and a mixed climb, and the grades run from 5.9 up to 5.11. Eight routes are listed, including Cracker Jack at 5.9, Quoia the Destroya at 5.9 and Walking Jack at 5.10+. Just Face It is the hardest at 5.11a. Ears to You, a boulder, is also listed. Summer and early fall are the mildest times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at South Lake Tahoe run from highs around 72°F in June to about 80°F in July and August, with lows in the low 40s. Winter is cold, with highs near 43°F and lows around 18°F from December through February. The Fortress and Wood Hood climbing areas are each about 0.1 mile away, and Crystal Springs Campground is about half a mile off. The 4-Second Climbing Trail is about 0.4 mile away for a short outing.

Routes (8)

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