Denny Cove

Denny Cove is a world-class rock climbers’ paradise, with a double-cascade waterfall and nearly 500 climbing routes with grades ranging from 5.8 to 5.14.

The Denny Cove Access Trail, 0.45 miles each way, provides access from the main trailhead at the parking area to the trail intersection at which you can turn east (left) to take the Waterfall Trail (1.0 mi. each way), or continue on the Denny Cove Trail (now a blue blaze) to two overlooks. The remaining trail sections – Denny East (0.85 mi. each way) and Denny West (0.25 mi. each way) – both climbers’ access trails – diverge left and right, respectively, about 250 feet from the start of the Waterfall Trail. 

 Denny West Trail (climbers’ access) 

This easy to moderate 0.25 mile climber’s access trail has some brief rock scrambles. Take the Waterfall Trail about 250 feet east to the trail intersection, turn west at the Denny Cove West trail sign and descend about 30 feet to rock-hop across a seasonal stream. Follow the base of the bluff through areas of loose rock and boulders. At mile 0.21, after ascending to an elevation of 1743 feet, notice the sport-face bolted climbing routes, as well as overhanging dihedrals — a ‘half open book’ feature, prized by climbers. At mile 0.25, at an elevation of 1703 feet, the trail ends with a three-foot tall stone marker. 

Denny East Trail (climbers’ access) 

While it features relatively little elevation change, this somewhat strenuous 0.85 mi. climbers’ access trail includes significant rock scrambles and a short tunnel. Other difficulties include loose rock and some narrow (24” width) trail sections directly adjacent to significant (50-foot) drop-offs. 

This is a beautiful and varied trail, offering dramatic, up-close views of the cliff-line that has made this area a rock climbing mecca. Take the Waterfall Trail about 250 feet east to the trail intersection, then turn left, up the small stone staircase, at the Denny Cove East trail sign. At mile 0.3, squeeze through the “tunnel” behind a large rock slab. 

As you come to areas in use by climbers, please exercise caution and courtesy, giving priority to all climbers on the wall, as well as those supporting them on the ground. At mile 0.6, note the overhung “roof” of the cliff (another climbers’ attraction), the large crack in the bluff line, and a prominent arete.