California · Rock climbing · Strawberry

Donnell Reservoir

Donnell Reservoir in California has 5 climbing routes with mixed and traditional styles.

5 routes
5.9 – 5.12
Trad · Mixed

Is Donnell Reservoir open right now?

Closure in the area

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

As of · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit Donnell Reservoir

Best months: May–October. 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

    45° / 30°

    11 wet

  2. Feb

    46° / 30°

    11 wet

  3. Mar

    49° / 32°

    11 wet

  4. Apr

    54° / 35°

    8 wet

  5. May

    63° / 42°

    6 wet

  6. Jun

    73° / 49°

    2 wet

  7. Jul

    81° / 56°

    1 wet

  8. Aug

    80° / 55°

    1 wet

  9. Sep

    74° / 51°

    2 wet

  10. Oct

    64° / 43°

    4 wet

  11. Nov

    52° / 34°

    7 wet

  12. Dec

    44° / 30°

    11 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Calaveras Big Trees, CA, 17.5 mi away at 4,695 ft. The station sits about 700 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.

Donnell Reservoir is a climbing area in California's Stanislaus National Forest, within the Summit Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land. The reservoir sits in a cluster of climbing spots in this part of the forest. Several other climbing areas lie within a few miles, and Cascade Creek campground is about a mile away, making it the closest base for an overnight stay. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Calaveras Big Trees show July highs around 81°F with lows near 56°F, and only about a day of rain in July and August. That station sits roughly 655 feet below the reservoir, so expect temperatures here to run a little cooler. The area has five climbing routes, ranging in grade from 5.9 to 5.12. The Odyssey is the easiest at 5.9, and Project is the hardest at 5.12. The routes mix traditional and mixed styles.

Routes (5)

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