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Elevation: 1,133 ft
GPS: 47.3529, -88.3349
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 63,935 total · 358/month
Shared By: Big-Time-Small-Timer on Jul 12, 2009 · Updates
Admins: John Miller

Description Suggest change

Secluded, 20-150+ ft. grey basalt cliff outcroppings. Awesome climbing experience in the isolated Keweenaw Peninsula. Great beginner crags and a handful of classics for the seasoned vet. Be aware of the private property boundaries along Cliff Drive. Watch for poison ivy and ticks. These two nasties are not pervasive but present. Loose dogs can get skunked, porcupined, or picked up by the sheriff. Some of the approaches and/or climbs might be vegetated due to a lack of traffic. Fall colors are amazing. Hopefully the Aurora Borealis will put on a show if you're camping in the Keweenaw.

*Guidebook for this area exists - Published in the past by Michigan Technological University - Ridge Roamers Climbing Club; "Climber's Guide to the Keweenaw".

*If someone is/knows the First Ascent parties please contact Big-Time-Small-Timer.

There are approximately 66 known and documented routes at Cliff Drive.

Areas are listed in order as you would come across them driving northeast along Cliff Dr.

- Ice Fall Area (19 routes)
- Diamond Block (3 routes)
- Overkill Roof (Unknown)
- Brave Words Block (2 routes)
- Free to Roam Block (1 route)
- J.C. Area (17 routes)
- Obsession Area (20 routes)
- Tower Area (4 routes)

Getting There Suggest change

Head to da U.P. eh! From Houghton, drive north on US 41 past Calumet and into Ahmeek to a left turn onto Cliff Drive. Hiking approach time 15-40 minutes, depending on going to the base or top of climbs/cliffband. Make sure to park as best you can off the road and not be a traffic hazard.

For more information contact Down Wind Sports

91 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Cliff Dr. Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Cliff Dr.

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V1 5
 6
Old Mossy Right
Boulder
V2 5+
 8
Bolete
Boulder
V3 6A
 9
Bubblewrap Grips
Boulder
V4 6B
 6
Sweet Mossy Moses
Boulder
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 5
Ice Fall
Trad, TR
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 6
Batteries Not Included
Sport 2 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 10
Obsession
Trad, TR
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 17
J.C. Superstar
Trad, TR
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 4
Last Call For Alcohol
Trad
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 6
Lie Detector
Trad, TR
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 5
Obsession Direct
Trad, Sport, TR
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 5
Shit Hooks
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 9
Attack of the Killer Bees
Trad, TR
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 4
Three Roofs
Trad
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 5
Rated P.G.
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Old Mossy Right
 6
V1 5 Boulder
Bolete
 8
V2 5+ Boulder
Bubblewrap Grips
 9
V3 6A Boulder
Sweet Mossy Moses
 6
V4 6B Boulder
Ice Fall
 5
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, TR
Batteries Not Included
 6
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport 2 pitches
Obsession
 10
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, TR
J.C. Superstar
 17
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, TR
Last Call For Alcohol
 4
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Lie Detector
 6
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad, TR
Obsession Direct
 5
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad, Sport, TR
Shit Hooks
 5
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
Attack of the Killer Bees
 9
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad, TR
Three Roofs
 4
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad
Rated P.G.
 5
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
More Classic Climbs in Cliff Dr. »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Routes Mostly Face: Southeast
Details: Most of the routes begin well below treeline and occasionally pop up above the trees. Expect seeping cracks after rain, it doesn't always dry right away.

Weather Averages

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Prime Climbing Season
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