Poodle Wall III is a modest granite face tucked along Rawson Creek within the Wilkerson area, offering a grounded yet rewarding climbing experience for those nearby. This spot is not about high alpine adventures or towering walls, but rather an approachable playground where the outdoors feel intimate and climbs invite a close-up connection with the rock. Its granite, still evolving from the elements, carries a raw quality that demands respect—making a helmet not just a suggestion but an essential piece of gear.

Arriving at Poodle Wall III involves a choice based on your vehicle and appetite for a wilderness walk. For those without high-clearance trucks, parking at the end of Sierra Grande Street in Wilkerson provides a scenic mile-long approach that guides you along a quiet neighborhood path, winding onto old dirt roads that lead to the canyon’s mouth. From there, a left turn at a fork marked by boulders directs you to follow Rawson Creek upstream. The final approach crosses the creek near the wall itself, where downed trees create a natural bridge through a small clearing — a subtle gateway into this concentrated slice of granite.

Adventurers with sturdy 4x4s can navigate dirt roads to get closer, although this route through the Sierra foothills requires careful navigation to avoid getting lost in the maze of tracks. Parking at a spot near 37.28867, -118.40322, leaves about a twenty-minute walk to the wall, weaving you through typical Eastern Sierra brush and the fresh scent of forest growth. The altitude at 5,011 feet lends a crispness to the air, encouraging climbers to move deliberately and soak in the quiet solitude.

The wall’s sun exposure leans heavily toward morning shade, with brief afternoon warmth around two o’clock — perfect for those seeking to avoid midday heat while enjoying a gentle sun break. The climate trends dry with sporadic rain days, typical of the Eastern Sierra, making spring through fall the prime months to climb.

Despite its small scale, Poodle Wall III offers a handful of classic routes that challenge and engage. Attack of the Squeaky Dog (5.10b) and Best in Show (5.11a) present solid technical lines where climbers can finesse movement and seek flow on granite holds that reward careful footwork. For those chasing higher difficulty, Toe Bean Tango, The (5.11d) stands out as a standout test piece with a strong reputation — demanding precision, power, and calm focus.

Protection here should be treated with caution: the granite surface is described as a work in progress, which means loose rock can be present. Helmets are mandatory and climbers should move with attentive foot placements to avoid unsettling fragile sections. The approach and wall require solid footwear and route-finding skills, especially for those parking further out to preserve the unspoiled nature of this quiet corner.

The climbing type at Poodle Wall III is primarily traditional — a chance to place gear on less polished rock — but this setting offers both challenge and charm. The proximity to Wilkerson and the accessible routes make it ideal for locals or visitors wanting a shorter day focused on honing skills at mid-grade difficulty without committing to lengthy approaches or complex logistics.

Local wisdom highlights how easy it is to get disoriented on the dirt roads, so carrying a GPS or marked map is recommended. Water along the creek provides both atmosphere and a hydration source but be prepared to scramble through some brush and over natural debris near the final crossing.

The setting within the greater Bishop Area and the Eastern Sierra ensures Poodle Wall III remains a niche gem — approachable, unpretentious, and offering pure granite climbing in a rugged landscape. It’s a place where climbers honor the rock’s evolving nature, respect the cautious balance needed for safety, and relish sharp technical routes in an understated natural setting.

If you’re ready to explore a granite wall that is small in scale but rich in character, bring your helmet, plan your approach carefully, and prepare to engage with a slice of California climbing that rewards attention to detail and a deliberate style of climbing. The classic routes provide a satisfying mix of challenges that make Poodle Wall III a valued stop for climbers of varied ambitions within this storied climbing region.