Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → San Diego Area → North County → Dixon Lake

Location: Escondido area, northeast of San Diego

Approach Distance: 100 meters

Elevation Gain/Loss: very little

Time Required: 2 – 4 hours

Red Tape/Notes: Entry fee is $5 per vehicle on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; gates open at 6am. For more information on the approach and climbs at Dixon Lake, visit the Mountain Project page.

What’s Nearby?: Daley Ranch, Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, Lake Poway, Potato Chip Rock, Fry-Koegel Trail

Known mostly to locals as a popular fishing spot, Dixon Lake has some nice climbs and also boasts the shortest approach to a climbing area we’ve ever seen. The first rock wall you come across boasts two easy climbs (a 5.7 y-crack and a 5.3 chimney) which are perfect for teaching new climbers. These two factors mean this is often the site of climbing classes on weekends, so have a back-up plan just in case. There are also some harder climbs in the 5.10 and 5.11 range on the section of rock farthest to the right (the Eagles Peak area); these climbs are on a rather scenic cliff face that adds to the enjoyability of the area.

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → San Diego Area → North County → Dixon Lake