The stonemasters were an informal group who climbed extensively together in southern California from 1970 until 1980 or so. They frequented crags such as Tahquitz Rock, Suicide Rock, Joshua Tree and Yosemite. Traditionally, you had to be able to lead Valhalla (E4) before you were considered to be a Stonemaster.
Together the group defined an era of climbing in the USA with many notable achievements between them, such as:
Towards the end of the 1980s the group became known for their strict ethical stance, particularly with regards to rap bolting and top rope practice.
16 recorded climbers.