Idaho · Rock climbing · American Falls

French Wall

Idaho rock climbing area with routes for multiple ability levels.

15 routes
5.9 – 5.12b/c
Sport

Best time to visit French Wall

Best months: April–June and September–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

    35° / 17°

    10 wet

  2. Feb

    39° / 21°

    9 wet

  3. Mar

    51° / 27°

    9 wet

  4. Apr

    59° / 33°

    10 wet

  5. May

    68° / 39°

    10 wet

  6. Jun

    78° / 46°

    7 wet

  7. Jul

    89° / 53°

    5 wet

  8. Aug

    88° / 52°

    6 wet

  9. Sep

    77° / 43°

    6 wet

  10. Oct

    62° / 34°

    7 wet

  11. Nov

    47° / 24°

    9 wet

  12. Dec

    35° / 18°

    10 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Massacre Rocks Sp, ID, 0.7 mi away at 4,195 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

French Wall is a climbing area in southern Idaho, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and located about 5 miles from the town of Quigley. It sits among a cluster of climbing areas, with Le Petite Covette just 0.1 mile away and the South of the Border Area and T & L Area each about 0.2 mile off. That makes it easy to pair with other climbs in the same stretch of crags. The area is a sport climbing destination with 15 routes, all rated between 5.9 and 5.12b/c. French Kissing is the easiest at 5.9, while Water Louie reaches 5.12b/c. The median grade is 5.10d. With several routes in that range, it works well for climbers aiming for a 5.10 day or looking to build up to a harder climb. Summer is the warmest time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 89°F with lows near 53°F, while September cools to highs around 77°F and fewer wet days than midsummer. Winter is much colder, with January highs in the mid-30s. For a change from the rock, the River Trail and Pohogwe Trail both start within a mile, and Rock Creek offers paddling about 2 miles away. Pipeline Campground, roughly 7 miles off, is the closest place to camp.

Routes (15)