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Boulder at D.L. Bliss State Park

South Lake Tahoe, California

Description

Added by Lauren Foltz

Blissful bouldering: high concentration of granite boulders worth several visits. 

This place is bouldering heaven. Short approach to the first boulders, challenging routes for every level, good landings, and set in a beautiful area. It's like Bishop, but without the long drive.

Technically you can come anytime in the season, but it is highly suggested to get a morning session in or hit this place up in the spring and fall. It can get pretty hot here in the summer. 

Unfortunately, no dogs allowed except in campground.
There's cell reception.

Bathrooms: 
Closest restrooms is at the D.L. Bliss State Park campground, that I know of. 

Parking Situation:
According to the Bouldering Lake Tahoe guide (highly recommend picking this up), Bliss is divided into sections -- South Bliss, Bliss Entrance, Middle Bliss, North Bliss, and Bliss Campground. So, there are different places to park. 

The coordinates for this adventure is set for a parking spot in Middle Bliss, but here's a list of other places to park if you're hitting up the other sections:

North Bliss -- GPS 38°59.30667', -120°06.51500'
South Bliss -- GPS 38°58.54140', -120°06.02100'
Bliss Entrance (Visitor Center Boulder) -- GPS 38°58.66800', -120°06.14800'

(dogs are allowed on a 6ft leash in campground, picnic areas, paved roads)
Bliss Campground -- There is a designated parking area at this campground if you pay the entrance fee. 100 yds away is Balancing Rock. Close by to the north of that boulder is Big Dome.
Alternative parking spot is a large pullout on the highway .8 miles north of the Bliss State Park entrance.

Approach for Middle Bliss:
Closest boulder to the parking spot is Da-Cliff. The boulders are on the other side of the creek. Take the trail towards the lake for about 30 ft and then immediately go downhill on a fainter trail crossing the small creek. Cross the creek and continue about 60 ft coming out of the forest and into the open area. Trail will fork -- the right will take you to the Cave Boulder and the left will take you to the main cluster like Gunslinger. Go left for about 50 yds (150 ft) and cutting straight uphill to the main cluster of Middle Bliss. (Hiking up just before the fork you'll see Hollow Body boulder on the far left)

...for South Bliss:
Head towards the lake staying north of the steep gully. You'll see the Hueco Boulder about 100 yds (300 ft) and the main bouldering area. Across the gully, the Parrot Cracks is on a hill from viewing at Rusty Nail. 

...for North Bliss:
Cluster of main boulders is about 100 yds (300 ft) on a sandy bluff. Walk down the trail or cut before arriving at the main boulders. 

...for Bliss Entrance:
Grim Reality boulder is below the parking lot and the main bouldering area is on a sandy hill behind the visitor center. 

Some notable climbs in...
Middle Bliss:
Gunslinger (V5)
The Brain (V0)
Bliss Arete (V4)
The Mancave (V4)
Big Face (V2)

South Bliss:
Solar Eclipse (V3)
Rusty Nail (V2)
Major Mortimer (V3)
Broken English (V7)
Panecia (V6)

North Bliss:
Spiderman (V7)
Dynamo Hum (V5)
Bladerunner (V7)

Bliss Entrance:
Slap Happy (V5)
Road Rage (V4)
Grim Reality (V3)
Pecking Order (V3)
Regular Route (V2)
Welcome Mat (V3)
Bust a Cap (V6)

Bliss Campground:
Mexi Melt (V5)
Stop Ahead (V4)

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