Sandstone boulders and short walls used by Los Angeles climbers since the 1950s, free to visit.
Stoney Point Park in Chatsworth, in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California, is a public park of sandstone boulders and short walls that has served Los Angeles climbers since the 1950s. The site sits at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Santa Susana Pass Road, about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Entry is free, and there is no on-site guiding or rental operation, so visitors bring their own gear or arrange sessions with independent guides, who price separately. The rock offers bouldering problems and short top-rope and lead routes of varied difficulty.
Skill requirements range widely. Beginners can try easier problems with a guide, while experienced climbers use the harder lines. Because there is no operator, there is no formal age limit, and parents are responsible for children's safety. Participants should have basic fitness and, for roped climbing, training in belaying and anchors. Typical equipment includes climbing shoes, chalk, crash pads for bouldering and helmets for top-rope routes. Climbers who are new to the sport should go with an experienced partner or a certified guide.
Safety depends on the climbers themselves. There is no safety briefing, rescue team or staff on site, and falls onto uneven ground can cause injury, so crash pads and spotters are important for bouldering. Rock can be loose in places, and rattlesnakes, poison oak and heat are local hazards. In an emergency, visitors call 911, and Los Angeles Fire Department units respond from nearby stations. Climbers should respect posted park rules and avoid damaging the sandstone, which is soft and easily eroded, especially when damp.
The best season is October to May, when temperatures are cooler and friction on the sandstone is better. Summer afternoons can be extremely hot, and the sandstone is not suitable after rain, when it weakens. Sessions usually last two to four hours. Parking is available near the park, and weekends are the busiest.
| Price | Free entry; guided sessions are priced separately by independent guides |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-4 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Season | October-May |
| Address | Stoney Point Park, Topanga Canyon Blvd at Santa Susana Pass Rd, Chatsworth, CA 91311 |
Activity facts
- Where
- Chatsworth, San Fernando Valley
Equipment
- Climbing shoes
- Chalk and crash pad
- Helmet for top-rope routes
Location
Stoney Point Park, Topanga Canyon Blvd at Santa Susana Pass Rd, Chatsworth, CA 91311
34.2766, -118.5993 View on map
Highlights
- Sandstone boulders used by Los Angeles climbers since the 1950s
- Free public access in Chatsworth
- Bouldering problems and short top-rope routes
- Practical for sessions of two to four hours
Tips for visiting
- Bring crash pads and a spotter for bouldering; there is no staff or rental on site.
- Avoid climbing on damp sandstone, which is weaker and easily damaged.
- Visit in the cooler months and early in the day to avoid heat and rattlesnakes.
- Carry plenty of water, as there is little shade.
- Wear a helmet on top-rope routes and check anchors before use.
When to visit
October to May has the best temperatures and friction. Mornings are best in warmer months.
Accessibility
The terrain consists of uneven rock and dirt paths, so it is difficult for wheelchair users and others with limited mobility. Parking is close to some boulders, but climbing areas require scrambling.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost money to climb at Stoney Point?
No. Entry to the public park is free. Independent guides charge their own fees.
Are gear rentals or lessons available on site?
No. Climbers bring their own equipment or arrange a guide separately.
When is the best time to climb?
October to May offers cooler weather and better friction on the sandstone.
Is the rock suitable for beginners?
Easier problems exist, but beginners should go with an experienced partner or guide because there is no supervision.