Climbs 167
Rocktype Granite
Altitude 2000m a.s.l
Faces all
Jumaring back up a rope in Mt. Lemmon, Tucson, Arizona: Wrong Abseil!! © Neil Morbey
Crag features
Just outside Tucson, you will find thousands of granite routes, at a variety of elevations, with a multitude of styles (sport, trad, mixed) that can be climbed almost yearlong. For cold winter days, try the lower elevation crags at the Lower Highway but beware of the water polish. For iconic pinnacle routes with views, you have to visit Windy Point. On hot summer days, head to the wild summit routes.
Sport routes are very well-bolted, but some climbs up to 5.10+ have nasty falls. Pick accordingly. Trad routes feel stiff for the grade (as usual with granite) and mixed routes can sometimes be done as runout sport routes (if you have the head).
Approach notes
Most approaches are not trivial-- even when a guidebook suggests a 10min walk-in. With exception of summit crags (that have long, involved approaches), many crags quote 5-20min walk-ins. Unless you're used to bushwacking through cactus, allow a bit more time and mentally prep yourself for the "wildness" of the area. Belay spots are often in manzanita trees, so set your expectations a bit low to ensure a good time.
Restricted Access
(1) Summit Crags: Raptor closures potentially February - July
This area is historically used by nesting falcons, hawks, owls or other raptors. Breeding season varies but is roughly February through July. Nesting raptors are protected by law. If you aren't sure if raptors are breeding here, then listen and watch for defensive behavior such as screeching or diving (links to info). If raptors are breeding in this area please climb somewhere else and let other climbers know. Pressures on wildlife can be immense and are multiplied by effects of climate change and pollutants. Choosing to climb away from nest sites reduces unnecessary stresses to the birds. Give these animals a chance to thrive. For current conditions (click here)
(2) Highway Access: due to winter snow, the roads are occassionally closed. Check the local updates at Tucson News.
(3) Overnight parking for vans: If you're sleeping in your car and the city of Tucson is a little too sketch for you, there is legal wild camping at Reddington Pass (gps: 32.25606, -110.65953). The pull-outs are nothing special, but the views are awesome.
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Climbs at this crag
| Name | Grade | Stars | Type | Logs | Partner Ascents |
|---|
These climbs you have climbed by seconding or top-roping.
These climbs you have Dogged.
These climbs you Did not Finish.
Climbs are waiting to be checked by a crag moderator, and may not be accurate. Climbs can't be verified by a crag moderator, and they need more information to confirm it. Climbs are no longer climbable.
Moderators Updates to this page are checked by UKC volunteers meinecke and heleno