Perched in the Riverside Quarry area of California’s Inland Empire, Left of the Roof stakes its claim as a serious sport climbing destination for those hungry to push past the 5.10 threshold and beyond. This sector lies between the Metro Sector on its left flank and the Roof Area directly to its right, positioning it within a vibrant cluster of rock faces offering a range of climbing experiences.

With routes predominantly in the 5.11+ and above grades, Left of the Roof caters to climbers who seek sustained technical challenges. The climbing stretches along edges and faces that demand steady footwork, strong finger strength, and mental focus. Many routes here extend well over 70 feet, and some longer lines require the use of a 70 meter rope to reach the anchors and rappel safely, giving a taste of multi-pitch endurance within a sport climbing framework.

Notable climbs run the gamut from the accessible yet engaging Flexercise (5.10b) to the steeper, more intense Buzzkill (5.12c). Each route brings its own flavor of movement — from the measured crimps on Trundle Trophy (5.10c) to the bold sequences on Raging Raptor (5.12a) and the technical power moves on Burning Desire (5.12b). Those seeking classic test-pieces will find acclaimed climbs like Flesh and Blood (5.11b) and Choss Goggles (5.12c) showcase the quality rock and precise protection this area demands.

Access to Left of the Roof is straightforward but rewarding. Climbers can approach from Slab City's right side trail or ascend the main trail below the Right of the Roof area, then traverse left along the base of the cliff. The terrain is generally well-maintained but expect some typical desert scrub and rock scree underfoot. GPS coordinates at 34.01725 latitude and -117.41553 longitude will guide visitors right to the heart of the sector.

The climbing surface is notable for its solid texture and variable features, rewarding careful route reading and efficient movement. While protection is mostly sport bolts, many routes here are quite long and demand a full 70 meter rope for lowering to minimize rope drag and maximize safety. Climbers should bring a rack adequate for sustained pitches, including a well-conditioned harness, a reliable rack of quickdraws, and a helmet to protect from occasional loose rock.

The area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,097 feet, offering climbers scenic views of Riverside’s surrounding landscape. Weather trends favor spring through fall for optimal conditions, with mild temperatures most of the year and low precipitation, allowing for consistent climbing outings without much disruption.

Climbers seeking diverse challenges will find it in the spectrum of routes here — from moderate 5.10 climbs that test technique and flow to powerful 5.12+ projects requiring strength and stamina. The area’s vibe is decidedly no-nonsense, geared toward climbers who relish sustained technical climbing rather than casual sport climbing.

Classic climbs like Flexercise and Trundle Trophy provide excellent introductions to the style and rock quality, while harder routes like Choss Goggles and Burning Desire stand out as benchmarks of the area’s upper-end difficulty. For those dreaming of pushing limits in a concentrated climbing zone, Left of the Roof offers an accessible gateway into Riverside’s prolific sport climbing community.

Planning your trip here means preparing for longer routes and a solid approach, but the payoff is a day spent on clean, challenging stone beneath the bright California sky. Whether you’re polishing moves on a technical 5.11 or eyeing a bold 5.12c send, Left of the Roof rewards climbers who come prepared to engage fully with every pitch.