California · Rock climbing · Pinecrest

The Cave

Cave, The in California has 14 sport climbing routes across 9 difficulty grades.

14 routes

5.11c – 5.13a

Sport

Is Cave, The open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Cave, The, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

Stanislaus National Forest extends seasonal MVUM closure for two high elevation roads
Agency closure covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest
Extension of Seasonal Road Closures
Agency closure covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest
Temporary Fire Restrictions High Hazard Area Stanislaus National Forest
Agency alert covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest
Temporary Moderate Hazard Fire Restrictions Stanislaus National Forest
Agency alert covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest

As of Oct 24, 9:00 am PDT · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit The Cave

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.

Jan
43° / 10°
5 wet · 4 snow
Feb
45° / 13°
5 wet · 3 snow
Mar
52° / 20°
4 wet · 3 snow
Apr
59° / 25°
3 wet · 1 snow
May
67° / 32°
3 wet · 1 snow
Jun
77° / 39°
2 wet
Jul
85° / 43°
3 wet
Aug
84° / 41°
2 wet
Sep
78° / 34°
2 wet
Oct
66° / 24°
2 wet
Nov
55° / 17°
3 wet · 1 snow
Dec
45° / 12°
5 wet · 3 snow

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bridgeport, CA, 31.7 mi away at 6,470 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

The Cave is a sport climbing area in the Summit Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. It sits among a cluster of climbing, hiking and camping destinations, with Columns of the Giants and Pigeon Flat both about 0.3 miles away. The area has 14 sport routes, with grades ranging from 5.11c to 5.13a. The easiest is Divine Microphone (aka the Warm-up) at 5.11c, and the hardest is Hey Ladies at 5.13a. Delirious and Sugar Brown are both 5.12a. The routes are all sport, so expect bolted anchors rather than traditional gear. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from the Bridgeport weather station, about 31 miles away, show May highs around 67°F and September highs around 78°F, with winter bringing highs in the mid-40s and a few snow days a month from December through February. Columns of the Giants Trail and Pigeon Flat are both within a third of a mile. Eureka Valley campground is 0.8 miles away, and Eagle Creek is about a mile off.