The Grotto, Sonora

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Splitter Cracks in the Yosemite Foothills

The Grotto is a unique basalt climbing area near Sonora, California, tucked away in a secluded alcove at the base of Table Mountain. Characterized by striking columnar basalt formations, the area offers steep, splitter cracks and corners. The Grotto is a narrow geological depression where routes line both walls, creating an immersive and almost cave-like atmosphere.

While not expansive, The Grotto’s distinctive geology and TRULY splitter cracks make it a must-visit destination for trad climbers looking for something different from the typical granite of the Sierra foothills.

The Grotto is a great place to build trad and crack climbing skills, from the basics and beyond! 

Check out the gallery, map, and trips available at this location below, and Contact Us to inquire about a trip!

All Trips at The Grotto, Sonora

2-Day Crack Climbing Clinic

Intro to Trad Climbing

Private Instruction

Trad | Beyond the Basics

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In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English. To file a complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html , or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provided in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. This institution is operated under special use permit with the Stanislaus, Inyo, Tahoe, and Eldorado National Forests.

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Kevin Heinrich

I grew up mostly in the North Eastern US but began traveling and climbing after high school and never looked back. I’ve been lucky to climb in over 10 countries and have done many first ascents on 3 continents. Now I mostly travel in my janky van in the Great American West with occasional trips abroad. I’m surprised to say I’ve been guiding for nearly a decade on rock, ice, mountains, and skis but now mostly focus on delivering highly personalized and precise rock climbing instruction.

It would be fun to list more accomplishments but I truly don’t think that’s what climbing is about. My goal is to be a damn good teacher of the skills people need to prepare for and take on some of the biggest challenges of their lives; not so they can brag about it on Instagram or in a website About page :), but so they learn about themselves, the people around them, and the world we live in.

I’m an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and have some expensive other bits of paper too. I pride myself in thinking hard about the skills I teach and how best to present them to you in a way that’s clear, concise, actionable, and appropriate for your skill level. Above all else I care. I care about you as a human being and hope we can get outside and learn from each other soon!

Professional Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Rock Guide
  • AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide
  • AMGA SPI Provisional Provider
  • AMGA Ice Instructor Course
  • Leave No Trace Master Educator
  • Wilderness First Responder
  • American Avalanche Association Level 2
  • Professional Ski Instructors of America Level 1
  • Wilderness Education Association Outdoor Educator
Personal Climbing Resume
  • Rope Solo Ascent of The Freerider (3,000ft, 5.13a, VI), El Capitan
  • First Ascent Entre Cristales Y Cóndores (1,500ft, 5.12- C1, IV), Cochamó Chile
  • Rope Solo First Ascent of Oso Scary (400ft, 5.12+), Wind River Range Wyoming
  • First Ascent of Journey to the Center of the Earth (3,300ft, 5.10+ C2, VI), British Columbia
  • The Phoenix, 5.13a Trad, Yosemite Valley
  • Red Bull and Vodka, M11, Vail Colorado
  • Alpamayo (19,511ft), Cordillera Blanca Peru