California · Rock climbing · Pinecrest

Donnell Vista Parking Lot

Donnell Vista Parking Lot is a California climbing crag with 7 routes.

Donnell Vista Parking LotPhoto: RuggyBearLA, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
7 routes
5.5 – 5.10d
Mixed

Is Donnell Vista Parking Lot open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Donnell Vista Parking Lot, 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 Vista Parking Lot

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, 21.5 mi away at 4,695 ft. The station sits about 1,600 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.

Donnell Vista Parking Lot is a Forest Service parking area in the Summit Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest in California. It serves as a base for climbing and other outdoor activities in this corner of the forest, and the Forest Service manages the land. The parking lot sits about a mile from Pump Rocks, another climbing area, and within a short drive of Donnell Reservoir, the Middle Fork Stanislaus River and the Ancient Dwarves I.T. hike. Niagra Creek campground is about 1.3 miles away. The climbing here is mixed, with seven routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.10d. The easiest is Easy Crack Corner at 5.5, and the hardest is Blunt Arete at 5.10d. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically June through September, when typical averages from a nearby weather station run from highs around 73°F in June to about 81°F in July, with only one or two wet days a month. That station sits roughly 1,600 feet lower than the parking lot, so temperatures at the lot run cooler.

Routes (7)