Lily Rock

Lily Rock, whether named for its white appearance, a local beauty, or the much admired lemon lilies that are found in the area, is not to be missed. Lily is a dramatic granite outcropping arising from the side of Tahquitz Peak and has been a climber’s mecca since the 1940s (the formation is known to climbers as “Tahquitz”, not the peak). It has a lot to offer hikers too, and the numerous routes (all of which converge on a short third class segment) are all interesting and challenging. A climbing helmet is recommended, and required on official outings, on the third class sections. Permits are not required.

Route 1 starts from lower parking area at Humber Park and follows the Ernie Maxwell Trail 0.6 miles to ascend a steep rocky gully to the peak. Route 2 describes the route to and from Tahquitz Peak. Route 3 starts from the Devil’s Slide trailhead at the upper Humber Park parking area but immediately departs southeast on use trail to ascend the large northwest gully with some boulder hopping and slab climbing to reach the final third class section. Route 4 follows the climbers trail which starts as Route 1 but departs at 0.2 miles up a very steep use trail that goes to the base of the rock and traverses around to join Route 1. The final section involves a third class step around that can be avoided by crawling through a fun “wormhole”.