California · Rock climbing · Borrego Springs

Valley of the Moon

23 climbing routes at Valley of the Moon in California, ranging from 12 difficulty grades.

23 routes
5.7 – 5.11c
Trad · Sport · Bouldering

Best time to visit Valley of the Moon

Best months: November–March. 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

    69° / 49°

    2 wet

  2. Feb

    73° / 52°

    2 wet

  3. Mar

    80° / 58°

    1 wet

  4. Apr

    86° / 61°

    1 wet

  5. May

    94° / 69°

    0 wet

  6. Jun

    102° / 75°

    0 wet

  7. Jul

    108° / 83°

    1 wet

  8. Aug

    108° / 83°

    1 wet

  9. Sep

    102° / 78°

    1 wet

  10. Oct

    91° / 68°

    0 wet

  11. Nov

    79° / 56°

    1 wet

  12. Dec

    68° / 47°

    2 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Ocotillo Wells 2w, CA, 6 mi away at 390 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Valley of the Moon is a climbing area in California, about 4 miles from the community of Ocotillo Wells. It offers a mix of trad, sport and bouldering routes, with 23 routes in total, so climbers can choose between different styles and grades. The most comfortable months for a visit are winter and early spring. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show January highs around 69°F with lows near 49°F, while summer highs climb into the low 100s. That station sits about 6 miles away and 270 feet lower than the area, so temperatures at Valley of the Moon run a little cooler. The routes here range from 5.7 to 5.11c on the YDS scale, with sport routes like Year of the Dragon at 5.10c and Shoot to Thrill at 5.11c. The bouldering is rated up to V4+. Cooksy Trail is about a mile away, and San Felipe Creek offers canoeing about 2.4 miles off. The Alluvial Trail and Barrel Springs Trail are both within about 4 miles.

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