Post Falls – Great for moderate sport climbing; tons of stuff in the 5.8-5.10 range for those working on leading. Top Roping is possible, but not as accessible as minne due to limited walk around possibility and moderate amounts of rope drag present on numerous routes. Trad climbs are there but far outnumbered by sport. There’s a pay station open seasonally (usually just summer). You can generally park on the street just outside the main parking area to avoid the pay. Click here for more information.
One of the two classes students took while on the Gonzaga in the Wilderness trip was John Eliason’s Nature Writing (ENG 306). Students kept journals, shared their work at evening circles, and explored their wild experiences through written language. Below are snippets from student work, curated throughout the trip, providing insight into the incredible journey along the Missouri River.
Read what they wrote HERE
With a wide array of options, GU Outdoors has something for everyone
Aug 28, 2018
Read about it HERE
Gonzaga student Alec Pasqualina finds outlet for competitive mountain biking
-Marissa Kneisel Nov 29, 2017
Read about it HERE
This is a great location for Top Roping and Bouldering, however trad and (minimal) sport also available. Due to the location and close density of climbs, this place makes for a good quick afternoon outing or an all day play around on the rocks with friends. If you go in a large group remember to be respectful of other groups using the area. Minnehaha is a great place to bring first time and newer outdoor climbers as it has many beginner grade climbs which can be top roped. Despite this Minnehaha saves a few fun and lesser known challenges for the well versed.
Driving Distance: 10 min (4.3 mi)
Difficulty: climbs of all difficulty (majority of top roping concentrated in the 5.6-5.10 range)
Approach: none
Description: Great for Top Roping and Bouldering, however trad and (minimal) sport also available. No parking permits are needed. Due to the location and close density of climbs, this place makes for a good quick afternoon outing or an all day play around on the rocks with friends. Great to bring first time and newer outdoor climbers, while saving a few fun challenges for the well versed.
Note to top ropers: long slings are beneficial for building anchors on lots of the main wall climbs
*Gonzaga Outdoors recommended trips are intended to give you ideas about some awesome places you should check out in Spokane. However, these reviews may not be 100% accurate or 100% current. We recommend that you do your own additional research about the area and current conditions before you go on your trip. You go the trip at your own risk. Have fun out there!*
South Hill Bluffs: South Hill, nestled in south Spokane, is a spaghetti system of interconnecting trails that can provide a different, fun ride each time out. The trails are sandy in places and, especially toward the near-barren top of the hill, are prone to erosion, but trail surface is mostly a good hardpack. The trail leading you down into the network is uneven, and there is little to catch you if you fall. You’ll put out some hearty efforts as you end the ride, after the initial 500-foot descent to the base, and as much climbing as you want to do in between. Great riding for intermediate to advanced riders — make your own route!
Driving Distance: 14min (8.7mi)
Trail Distance: 8.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 520ft
Difficulty (1-5): 3-4
Permit(s) Required: None
Description: South Hill, nestled in south Spokane, is a spaghetti system of interconnecting trails that can provide a different, fun ride each time out. The trails are sandy in places and, especially toward the near-barren top of the hill, are prone to erosion, but trail surface is mostly a good hardpack. The trail leading you down into the network is uneven, and there is little to catch you if you fall. You’ll put out some hearty efforts as you end the ride, after the initial 500-foot descent to the base, and as much climbing as you want to do in between. Great riding for intermediate to advanced riders — make your own route! Scenery: Views to the south at the ride’s start, which overlooks Qualchan Golf Course and Us 195; ponderosa pines, sparse vegetation down the hill.
Guide Review: A quick 10-minute ride from campus to the start of the trailhead, South Hill Bluffs might be my favorite single track in all of Spokane. At the start of this trail you are always on your toes, due to the cliff on your right side and the steep hill on your left. The rolling trail allows you to get your workout on the uphill and then you receive an adrenaline rush on the downs. About 3 miles into the amazing hill adventure you take a left and begin to ride in and out of trees. The best part of South Hill Bluffs is that the whole trail is well kept and the single track is in good condition! I hope that all of you mountain bike enthusiasts do attempt this ride.
Gear List:
- Waterbottle (bring lots, in the summer this is can be dry and hot)
- Small First Aid Kit
- Rain Jacket (October-May)
- Patch Kit
- Travel pump
Check out the forecast here!
*Gonzaga Outdoors recommended trips are intended to give you ideas about some awesome places you should check out in Spokane. However, these reviews may not be 100% accurate or 100% current. We recommend that you do your own additional research about the area and current conditions before you go on your trip. You go the trip at your own risk. Have fun out there!*
Hall Mountain: This challenging ride boast spectacular scenery and great singletrack riding. You can see into Idaho and British Columbia from the top of Hall Mountain. There is also a good possibility of spotting Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep; a herd that ranges on the mountain is frequently seen from the trail. The ride is 24-miles long and best suited to strong, experienced cyclists. The grassy, alpine slopes near the summit of Hall Mountain are particularly beautiful. Great mountain riding with excellent views!
Driving Distance: 2hr 2min (95.7mi)
From the junction of the Sullivan Lake Road (County Road 9345) and Forest Road 22 (Sullivan Creek) follow Road 22 for 3.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 2200500 (Johns Creek). Turn right onto 2200500 and follow it for 7 miles to the trailhead.
Trail Distance: 24 mi
Elevation Gain: 4,023ft
Difficulty (1-5): 4
Permit(s) Required: None
Description: This challenging ride boast spectacular scenery and great singletrack riding. You can see into Idaho and British Columbia from the top of Hall Mountain. There is also a good possibility of spotting Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep; a herd that ranges on the mountain is frequently seen from the trail. The ride is 24-miles long and best suited to strong, experienced cyclists. The grassy, alpine slopes near the summit of Hall Mountain are particularly beautiful. Great mountain riding with excellent views!
Guide Review: Hall Mountain is a great ride, if you get a chance to go, GO! It has a lot of elevation gain at the start, which is rewarded with an awesome ridge trail and a very long downhill ride. The views you get along the way are phenomenal, and there are also a bunch of huckleberry bushes along the trail. If you want a full day of awesome, beautiful, and fun riding, as well as a great workout, Hall Mountain is a great option.
Gear List:
- Waterbottle (bring lots, in the summer this is can be dry and hot)
- Small First Aid Kit
- Rain Jacket (October-May)
- Patch Kit
- Travel pump
Check out the forecast here!
*Gonzaga Outdoors recommended trips are intended to give you ideas about some awesome places you should check out in Spokane. However, these reviews may not be 100% accurate or 100% current. We recommend that you do your own additional research about the area and current conditions before you go on your trip. You go the trip at your own risk. Have fun out there!*