By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine
Tucked along Highway 50 just west of South Lake Tahoe, Lover’s Leap rises like a storybook cliff out of the pine-covered canyon. With its towering granite face and layered climbing routes, it draws climbers from around the world—and legends from long ago.
But to truly understand what makes this place so special, you need to hear it from someone who lives and breathes its vertical walls.
In a recent episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I sat down with Petch (Mark Pietrolungo), a longtime climbing guide and steward of Lover’s Leap, to talk about the magic, the myths, and the meaning of this iconic Sierra destination.
A Life Lived on the Leap
“I started climbing at 18 and fell in love with it right away,” Petch told me, recalling his early days in Southern California before eventually landing a job digging ditches at Strawberry Lodge—just across the road from the Leap. That was back in 1993.
Today, Petch still lives in the tiny town of Strawberry, just steps from the base of Lover’s Leap. His guide service, Lover’s Leap Guides, has become a trusted name for climbers of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned Yosemite veterans.
“If it was in Yosemite,” Petch said with a grin, “it would probably be one of the busiest cliffs there. It’s that good.”
What Makes Lover’s Leap So Special?
Set against a backdrop of roaring waterfalls and dense Sierra forest, Lover’s Leap offers an accessible approach and a stunning diversity of climbs.
- Multi-pitch routes ranging from 300 to 600 feet
- Beginner-friendly climbs starting at 5.5 on the Yosemite decimal scale
- A unique ladder-like geology thanks to the horizontal granite dikes
- Views stretching from Horsetail Falls to Desolation Wilderness
“It’s like climbing a ladder in some places,” Petch explained. “Even though the walls are steep, it’s surprisingly friendly climbing. That’s why it draws so many people—especially beginners looking for a big adventure.”
One such feature is Hogsback, a smaller formation just in front of the main cliff where even first-time climbers can scale a 300-foot route.
Of Legends, Falcons and Stewardship
The name “Lover’s Leap” comes with folklore baked into its granite.
“There’s a Romeo and Juliet legend,” Petch said, “about two Native Americans from different tribes who weren’t allowed to be together. One version says they jumped. Another says they turned into eagles and flew away. I like that version better.”
Interestingly, golden eagles once nested on the Leap, though today, peregrine falcons have claimed the rock. Petch and his team work closely with the Forest Service each season to monitor nesting sites and adjust climbing routes to protect the birds.
“We have a great relationship with the Forest Service,” he said. “Every year the birds shift a little, and we help make sure the closures reflect that.”
This spirit of environmental stewardship runs deep at Lover’s Leap Guides. After the Caldor Fire of 2021, Petch and his crew helped restore trails, campsites, and vegetation throughout the area.
More Than Just the Climb
What sticks with Petch the most after decades of guiding?
“Watching someone climb for the first time—seeing them overcome fear, gain confidence, and realize what they’re capable of—it never gets old,” he said. “It’s why I keep doing this.”
That sense of shared joy and discovery echoes through the climbing community.
“The culture is different than surfing,” he told me, laughing. “When I first started climbing, really strong climbers were helping me out. It blew my mind. You could be good at something and not be a jerk about it.”
Explore Beyond the Rope
For those looking to explore further, the Lover’s Leap region offers a full climbing circuit:
- Phantom Spires – single-pitch granite spires with “chicken head” holds
- Sugarloaf – Yosemite-like stone ideal for shoulder-season climbs
- Calaveras Dome – a 1,200-foot cliff hidden off Highway 88 near Salt Springs Reservoir
Each spot offers something different—golden granite, diorite knobs, or river-laced canyon walls—and each tells a story of the Sierra’s geologic richness.
The Lover’s Leap Festival: Climb, Give Back, Celebrate
Petch and his team host an annual Lover’s Leap Climbing Festival, this year held July 12–13, 2025. The weekend includes:
- Saturday Stewardship – trail work, campground cleanup, and replanting
- Community BBQ and live music at the iconic Strawberry Station
- Sunday Clinics – free climbing sessions for the public
“It’s our way of giving back,” said Petch. “The Leap has given us so much—it feels right to take care of it and share it with others.”
Plan Your Visit
Lover’s Leap is just over an hour’s drive from Carson Valley and two hours from Sacramento. Parking is available at Camp Sacramento, and trails lead up both sides of the cliff. Whether you’re coming to climb, hike, or explore the history and natural beauty, Lover’s Leap welcomes all.
Location: Strawberry, CA off Highway 50
Guide Services & Info: https://www.loversleap.net
Festival Info: July 12–13, 2025
Final Thought: Come for the Climb, Stay for the Story
Whether or not you ever rope up, Lover’s Leap offers something profound—a story written in granite, shaped by fire, ice, and human dreams. For climbers like Petch, it’s more than just a rock.
“It’s home,” he said simply. “And I feel lucky every day I get to be here.”
So the next time you’re heading up Highway 50 and you spot that dramatic cliff rising above the forest—pause for a second. Remember the legends, the wildlife, the climbers, and the legacy.
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel that little pull to explore something new.
