California · Rock climbing · San Diego

The Underworld

Underworld, The is a California climbing crag with 5 routes.

5 routes
5.7 – 5.10b
Trad

Best time to visit The Underworld

Best months: Year-round. 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

    67° / 46°

    7 wet

  2. Feb

    67° / 47°

    8 wet

  3. Mar

    69° / 50°

    7 wet

  4. Apr

    71° / 52°

    5 wet

  5. May

    72° / 57°

    3 wet

  6. Jun

    75° / 60°

    1 wet

  7. Jul

    80° / 64°

    0 wet

  8. Aug

    82° / 65°

    1 wet

  9. Sep

    81° / 64°

    1 wet

  10. Oct

    78° / 58°

    4 wet

  11. Nov

    73° / 50°

    6 wet

  12. Dec

    67° / 45°

    7 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at San Diego Montgomery Fld, CA, 4.9 mi away at 417 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

The Underworld is a climbing area in California, about 2 miles from the town of Allied Gardens. The name sets the tone for its character as a cluster of routes that sit close together, with several other climbing areas and short trails within a few tenths of a mile. The area is best approached as a grouping of climbing and walking. The Visitor Center Loop Trail and the Oak Grove Loop Trail both start within a tenth of a mile. The Deerfield Loop Trail and the Hemingway - Rancho Mission Footpath are just a little farther out. For climbers, the Underworld offers five trad routes, all with grades between 5.7 and 5.10b. The hardest is Judgement Day, a 5.10b first ascent by Art Messier in 2000. The other routes include Too Hot to Handle at 5.7 and Joe's 5.8+. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby San Diego weather station show May highs around 72°F and October highs around 78°F, with only a few wet days in each. Summer is warm, with July highs near 80°F.

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