California · Rock climbing · Markleeville

The Steeple

The Steeple is a California climbing crag with 5 trad routes on 4 difficulty grades.

5 routes
5.10a – 5.12a/b
Trad

Is Steeple, The open right now?

Closure in the area

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

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, 12.1 mi away at 6,314 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

The Steeple is a climbing area in the Carson Ranger District of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. It sits among a cluster of climbing and hiking destinations, with Crystal Springs Canyon and the 4-Second Climbing Trail both about 0.1 mile away and Wood Cutters Wall about 0.2 mile off. The area is a traditional climbing spot with five routes, all rated between 5.10a and 5.12a/b. The Regular Route is the easiest at 5.10a, and the Center Route is the hardest at 5.12a/b. The East Face of The Steeple and West Corner are both 5.10d. All are traditional routes. Summer is the most comfortable time to climb. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at South Lake Tahoe show July and August highs around 80°F with lows in the low 40s and only about two wet days a month. Winter is much colder, with highs in the low 40s and lows near 18°F. Crystal Springs Campground is about 0.2 mile away, and Kit Carson Campground is about 2.6 miles off. The West Fork Carson River, about 3.2 miles away, offers paddling.

Routes (5)

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