California · Rock climbing · Markleeville

The Fortress

27-route climbing area in California with mixed, sport, and trad styles.

27 routes
5.7 – 5.12
Trad · Sport · Mixed

Is Fortress, The open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Carson Ranger District. It doesn't name Fortress, The, 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 The Fortress

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

    36° / 23°

    9 wet

  2. Feb

    37° / 23°

    8 wet

  3. Mar

    42° / 26°

    7 wet

  4. Apr

    48° / 29°

    5 wet

  5. May

    56° / 35°

    4 wet

  6. Jun

    66° / 42°

    2 wet

  7. Jul

    75° / 49°

    2 wet

  8. Aug

    74° / 49°

    1 wet

  9. Sep

    67° / 44°

    2 wet

  10. Oct

    55° / 36°

    3 wet

  11. Nov

    43° / 28°

    5 wet

  12. Dec

    35° / 23°

    7 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dagget Pass, NV, 14.5 mi away at 7,334 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

The Fortress is a climbing area in the Carson Ranger District of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. It sits among several other climbing spots, with Second Alcove and Wood Hood both about 0.1 mile away. The area has 27 routes, mostly trad, with a few sport and one mixed. The YDS grades run from 5.7 up to 5.12, with the median around 5.10a. Among the named routes are 5.7 Book, The Red Pillar at 5.9 and Winter Prime at 5.12. Summer is the most comfortable time to climb. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Dagget Pass, Nevada, show July highs around 75°F with lows near 49°F and only about one or two wet days a month. Winter is much colder, with January highs in the mid-30s. Crystal Springs Campground is about half a mile away, and Kit Carson Campground is about 2.3 miles off. The West Fork Carson River, a paddling route, is about 2.9 miles away.

Routes (27)

6.5 - Winter Prime Area(1)

Waiting for Summer5.9

8.5 - Red Pillar Area(1)

The Red Pillar5.9

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