Indian Rock Park
Climb Review
I had been to Indian Rock Park a couple of times. My thoughts about the park have remained unchanged.
Water Fountain Traverse (V1; Water Fountain Wall Area)—It was a good warm-up and the rock felt great to me. When I was almost done with the traverse, I looked up and realized that when I had come here for the first time in 2022, this was a super scary route—in my memory I was so high up. Now, it was a chill warm-up climb.
Water Fountain Lip Traverse (V0; Water Fountain Wall Area)—Slightly easier than the above and just as fun. A bit more mentally challenging though, since you’re higher for longer; but the holds are super jugs for the most part.
Slab Left (V0; Water Fountain Wall Area)—Felt easy, was a good warm-up.
Slab Right (V0; Water Fountain Wall Area)—Felt easy, was another good warm-up.
Croquette (V1; Water Fountain Wall Area)—Maybe I started too high, but I did this one with tennis shoes.
Little Prow (V1+; Water Fountain Wall Area)—I had difficulty with the sit start, but once that was dialed, it was a fun one. I enjoyed solving this with Louie, Michael, and Cassie.
Watercourse (V1; Pit)—I remember this climb starting out easy enough until I got stuck. I then went right and ended up at the hueco, where my fear of heights kicked in. I think after a move or two, it transitioned into easy 5.3 climbing, but because of the exposure, I went slow while over-gripping. It felt great to top out though, where all the anxiety washed away to happiness.
Beginners Crack (V0; Pit)—I hadn’t gone up this route before, so I climbed up to find that the holds got a bit tricky near the top. Still, at least they were solid and I was able to keep my nerves under control.
Pegboard (V1; Pit)—I remember trying this once and knowing that I wasn’t ready for this route two years ago. Now, I was able to flash it! The holds were burly and nice, and it just required good core control to keep tension in the feet as it is a bit overhung. I was pretty happy to have done this one as overhangs are not my strong suit.
Indian Arete (V0; Pit)—This runs left of Pegboard and was nice and easy to go up. I think by this time, I was used to the exposure. It was fun.
Friends
I climbed here with Michael, Louie, Cassie, and the girls. I hadn’t seen Michael in something like 6 months, so it was nice to catch up and climb together. Louie was awesome as usual and they definitely inspire me to climb more and with 100% effort. Cassie got a taste of the famed Indian Rock Park and I think this trip will only get her more excited about other classic climbs in the bay. Lastly, Steve also showed up and hung out with us for a good while. He had injured himself a day before, so he wasn’t able to climb, but it was good to see him.
What Happened?
Thanks to Michael for this photo!
On what seemed like the first summer day of 2024, I organized a group climb at Indian Rock Park. On the way to the park, Cassie, the girls, and I picked up Louie in Palo Alto. We arrived and saw that the street parking was unoccupied, except for a single car, which I parked behind. The park seemed empty too, except for a single man who sat eating breakfast while enjoying the view of the rock—this man turned and smiled. I hadn’t seen Michael for about 6 months, so it took me a while to recognize him, but once it clicked he couldn’t have been anyone else.
We quickly set out pads in the Water Fountain area and started climbing as we traded stories of our lives. In what seemed like a blink, an hour had passed—we had sent a bunch of routes, and Steve showed up! He told of his latest injury (which he had sustained the day before) and caught up with each of us as we rested after various tries. We then moved to the Pit and just enjoyed the rock. The weather was so good that no one was too hot or too cold—we were free to just enjoy each other’s company and our best tries up the great Indian Rock.
Too soon, it was noon and we said our goodbyes. Michael had left half an hour before we called it quits and Steve had a basketball game to catch. For Louie, Cassie, the girls, and I, we headed off to Marugame Udon to eat some freshly made noodles and reward ourselves for a great crag day.