Mormon Rocks, Hesperia California

Mormon Rocks

I’ve passed Mormon Rocks on my way to Las Vegas at least 20 times before I finally decided to stop and check it out. If you've lived in Southern California all your life, you’ve probably passed them a hundred times. Mormon Rocks is the enormous white sandstone outcropping you see just after you hit the Cajon Pass north of Rancho Cucamonga on Route 15. The parking lot for Mormon Rocks is just 1 mile from Route 15. Just take the exit for route 138 west towards Mountain High ski resort and pull off onto one of the dirt parking areas on the right side of the road. The trail to the top of Mormon Rocks is probably less than two miles from the parking lot, but it can be little bit tricky your first time. The easiest way to reach the summit is to head east and pick up the narrow dirt ridgeline trail. You won’t be able to see the entire trail because it’s hidden by the brush, but I assure you it goes all the way to the top. It’s not nearly as scary as it looks from the bottom. You could safely hike it in tennis shoes. The view from the top of Mormon Rocks is awe-inspiring. The highway noise disappears. We got to see a train wind its way through the valley. I’m sure there are other great bouldering spots in this valley because the rock is perfect for it. As an hour detour from the highway, Mormon Rocks stands alone.

For more info, check out http://www.summitpost.org/mormon-rocks/270028