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Elevation: 5,000 ft
GPS: 32.3327, -110.7218
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 11,737 total · 70/month
Shared By: Adam Block on Jun 28, 2010 · Updates
Admins: adrian montaƱo, Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen

Description Suggest change

I struggled for almost two years on what to do with this area. At first I figured I would just leave it alone as it's a little too high to boulder and a little short to bolt. It kept popping into my head though, I really liked many of the holds and moves and found myself going back. On days where I was short on time but still wanted to get on the rock I would head up there because it was low on the mountain, had a short approach and I needed nothing more then two quick-draws and a half rope so I could pack light.

Astoria is perfect for people with a fear of heights, somebody that needs a fairly gentle approach, a person that wants to climb outside but isn't leading or to show new climbers the ropes including how to clean anchors.

Don't be fooled however, there are some tough moves to be found here that are a nice deviation from the normal stuff you find on Lemmon including a ton of side pulls. If you're leading 5.11s this area will bore you but if you want a change of pace, mellow climbing or an area to introduce people to climbing this is ideal. You also can't beat the summer shade, winter sun, amazing views and if you can't handle being without your phone you even have cell reception (which is a negative to me).

While I wouldn't call the climbing child friendly (5.5) climbing, the area and approach are virtually free of hazards.

  • This is a work in progress so I will be adding to this over the next week or two as I get the lines up.

Getting There Suggest change

If you follow the topo that should put you right there. You'll approach as if you're going to Jailhouse however instead of dropping into the wash and walking past that little platform on the left you'll take the trail leading up the hill just before the sandy wash. You'll take that up to the top of the ridge and from there cut left up the wash (there's a tree growing right in the middle of it). Head up that until it levels out and head as if you're going to Boot Hill which will take you to the top of the climbs. You can scramble right to the base of them without much trouble.

The satellite view in Google Maps and in the Mountain Project app very clearly shows the trails to get to the crag from the Gordon Hirabayashi Campground parking area. It's a 20-minute easy and pleasant hike.

9 Total Climbs

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