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GPS: 32.21669, -111.11127
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 53,088 total · 201/month
Shared By: James DeRoussel on Jul 26, 2002
Admins: adrian montaño, Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen

Description Suggest change

Gate's Pass, best known for its spectacular sunsets, is also your best bet for some bouldering close to downtown Tucson. The area containing the boulders, while not part of Gate's Pass proper, is actually quite nice in the winter months.

There are enough boulders close to the road to keep you busy for a day, with established problems from V0 to V7. There are likely many more problems to be found, depending on how far uphill you are willing to walk. One can only assume that the short season and abundance of better rock on Mt Lemmon has limited climber's interest here. Still it's a nice place to spend a day when temps are right.

Gate's Pass provides a great opportunity to climb in a true Sonoran Desert setting, among some of the best saguaro stands in the world. It is also thick with evil jumping cholla and rattlesnakes, so be extra careful, especially with pets around. Don't forget to stick around for the sunset!

For a topo and handful of established problems, see the Arizona section at drtopo.com. Photos can be viewed at tucsonbouldering.com. You can also pick up a copy of tyler McMillen's new Tucson Bouldering guidebook at Summit Hut.

Getting There Suggest change

Driving time 15 min. from Downtown Tucson.From Tucson, drive west on Speedway Blvd into the Tucson Mountains. Drive past Gate's Pass and down the steep hill. Park at the second pullout on the right or left.

The boulders should be visible from the road. They are located on the south side of the road (your left driving down from Gates Pass). Find trails leading up hill to the boulders. Please stick to established trails.

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Classic Climbing Routes at Gate's Pass

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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