Santee Boulders

Epic. If you’ve been you know. This is the best place in San Diego to do any kind of real bouldering. From beginners to expert climbing, this is the place for everyone. Easy to get to, lots of maps out there to show you where to go, but even if you don’t have a map it’s real easy to find something to climb in your range here.

Re: Rattlesnake protection. After hiking and climbing around a national park in Mexico for 3 weeks, I took Jerry Shad’s advice and sought out some leggings. REI did not have them, nor, as I recall, did A-​16, but I was referred to Turner Outdoorsman. The leggings are strips of plastic, encased in cloth, with straps & buckles, and cover from the tops of the foot to just below the knees. They come in different sizes, as well as being adjustable. I find them to be pretty comfortable to hike in, and not outlandish to others — in fact, the usual comment is, «Where’d you get ‘em?»
You do still have to be careful of where you place your hands, face, etc, when inching around a rock point of ledges. You will just naturally still be alert for leg strkes. But, they are a bit of peace of mind. Rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal, but usually cause considerable & expensive long-​term damage. The person usually bitten is a young man picking them up. Do not rely on snakes to rattle — those in popular areas are weeded out, often illegally.

beautiful park.
not far from Sand Diego metro area.
quiet/​tranquil.
easy parking. (across the street from the park)
easy hiking. (wear enclosed shoes, not flip flops)
top rope rock climbing /​bouldering. –we met some fun/​easy-​going people to climb with.
watch out for rattle snakes :)
the park across the street offers restrooms and water fountains, however I recommend you keep a bottle of water on your person during your hike through the boulder park.

it must be through some naturally occurring phenomenon that the lowest ratio of douchebag/​walmart shopper per capita in Klantee exists where the rock climbers and hippies hang out.

I love climbing here and all levels are covered, as a rule it’s a moderate challenge. Near a park station, creek and lots of hiking. Parking here can be difficult on an average day, and nearly non-​existent on a really nice day.

This is the place I first learned to climb and 15 years later I still think it is exciting and challenging. Beware of rattlesnakes but other than that you will have a great day out on the rock.

This is a great outdoor rock climbing spot. Its free, there’s plenty of parking, there’s usually a lot of cool people here, and it has climbs for any skill level (especially first timers).
Here’s how to get to Santee boulders from San Diego:
Take the 52 W
Exit 13 for Mast Blvd.
Turn left at Mast Blvd.
Go past the first stoplight and on the right side of the road is a park (Park in there — free parking) and to the left side is ‘Santee Boulders’. Park your car and walk across while watching out for cars.
Bring your own climbing shoes, some water, and I also recommend a crashpad (although not required). Everyone I’ve met here has been super friendly and helpful. Feel free to ask fellow climbers about recommended climbs and I’m sure you’ll make some new friends.
Outdoor climbing is much different than indoor rock climbing. If you’ve tried Vertical Hold/​Solid Rock and hated it, you still might like outdoor (and vice versa). Chi W. is right on about the time of day to go. There’s little shade available when its sunny so I recommend early morning or late afternoon.
The main thing you need to watch out for are rattlesnakes. I’ve climbed here a few times and only seen one. Don’t put on your ipod headphones or else you can’t hear the rattle, which will tell ya how close you are. You might just just step on it if you’re not careful and not listening. Remember that nature’s dangerous; when you’re out and about, give it the respect it needs and you’ll be fine. This goes with the crashpad too, its only an illusion of safety and there might be some sharp rocks under. Be safe and have fun!

I’m a beginner to rock climbing and been doing it indoors for few months now; bouldering, top rope and traverse climb. I was invited to try the Santee Boulders today and this is my first time to do it outdoors. I drove to Santee to check it out and meet new climbers as well. It was a nice day, super hot though about 89 degrees.
I met the coolest climbing group and introduced myself. After watching them climb, it was little dragon’s turn to climb the 5.6 boulder– oh boy the climbing starts, WOW what a workout! I did pretty good for a beginner and got to the top, awesome view. Now I have to buy a crashpad to practice my outdoor bouldering skills. It was fun and I enjoyed it.
Another nice day in San Diego.

Not technically a park because it’s really private property (but you are allowed to come in). The boulders are across Mast Blvd. from West Hills Park, where you can find parking. Great spot for bouldering, lots of different types of problems, with difficulty between 5.1 and 5.12+ (I know, the rating system here isn’t the V system). Most of the rocks feature coarse, crimpy holds, and there are a number of crack climbs as well. This is a wonderful place to spend a day: climbing, picnicking, and just enjoying nature. Wildlife warning: there are rattlesnakes, I almost stepped on a coiled rattler hiding in the bushes once when I went to take a leak.