Scroll Top

Lone Rock Point

Cliff Steward: Pete Clark
Mountain Project: Lone Rock Point
Access Beta & Closures page

The ClimbingLocated on a shores of Lake Champlain near downtown Burlington VT, Lone Rock Point offers unique climbing with unbeatable views. Long overlooked by local climbers, the bright white and yellow dolostone (think: limestone) cliff is characterized by tricky beta, powerful moves, and a concentration of quality sport climbs. With only one meager 5.10d, this cliff is not ideal for new climbers, however, there are over two dozen routes graded 5.12 or harder (mostly 5.13) that attract climbers from all over to test their limits. The access partnership between CRAG-VT and Episcopal Diocese of VT highlight Rock Point’s commitment to sharing this special place with everyone. Given the high visibility and number of other user groups enjoying the property, it is of the utmost importance that climbers abide by all rules to be the best possible stewards. Parking can be limited so carpool or ride a bike, be courteous, and don’t forget to sign-in and out at the kiosk located at the parking lot by the main offices. Before you go, familiarize yourself with the rules, and don’t forget your sunscreen and stick-clip!

 Don’t miss: Destiny (11b), C.R.E.A.M. (12b), This Ragemeter Goes to 11 (12c), Ginger Rude (13b), The B.I.B.L.E. (13c), Terror Wolf (13c), The Swordsman (13d), King Tubby (14a)

Access Beta: 

  1. Obtain a Rock Point Visitor Pass. www.rockpointvt.org/visitor-passes.  Make a donation to the Rock Point Center as part of the process.  It will help to mitigate fees incurred by CRAG-VT to ensure access and allow the Rock Point Center to continue to offer their unique property to the general public.
  2. Sign in at the kiosk located at the Diocesan offices parking lot. The limit is 14 climbers per day. If there are 14 names on the sheet that day, climb somewhere else (Bolton Dome, 82 Steep Crag, Smuggs).
  3. Follow the marked trail to the cliff, and go climb. Sign out at the kiosk on your way home

Please note that climbing at Rock Point is contingent upon the climbing community respecting the expectations outlined below. Share these with other climbers! 

  • Dogs must be leashed.
  • Be polite and courteous to all users.
  • Parking is extremely limited at the main lot and a primary concern for the landowner. If full, park at the high school or elsewhere.
  • Lone Rock Point is open during daylight hours for climbing.  
  • No camping or fires are permitted.
  • The Diocese reserves the right to close the property at any time. Climbers must abide by any closures indicated on the calendar at the kiosk.
  • Practice leave-no-trace ethics, stay on established trails, do not trample vegetation, and keep the area cleaner then you found it.
  • A new-route moratorium is in effect. All climbing is restricted to established routes. Do not add any additional fixed gear to the cliff without prior authorization from the Rock Point Management Committee.

Please note that CRAG-VT and the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont are not responsible for any fixed anchors found at Lone Rock Point.  We make no guarantees about the integrity of any hardware found at Lone Rock Point. For more information regarding Rock Point and its mission please review  http://www.rockpointvt.org

Access Story: CRAG-VT built a relationship with the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont at Rock Point to open this cliff to climbing in 2017. Ongoing access is contingent on the climbing community’s adherence to the access agreement, outlined in the Access BetaAccess Beta & Closures. CRAG-VT pays an annual donation to the diocese in support of their stewardship of the property and their willingness to collaborate with climbers.

Thank You to Our Partners: The Vermont Episcopal Diocese of Vermont

Historical Context: CRAG-VT’s acquisition of the Quarry was the first land conservation purchase specifically for rock and ice climbing in Vermont.  The Quarry acquisition project received a fair amount of local media attention including articles in the Burlington Free Press, Seven Days, and NE Cable News; as well as nationally in Rock & Ice, Climbing Online, and Access Fund Vertical Times. While the publicity was important to the project’s success, it also brought attention to CRAG-VT’s mission and was an important foundation for future projects.