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Reef of Rocks Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 8,600 ft |
GPS: |
32.46112, -110.78115 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 137,021 total · 708/month |
Shared By: | 1Eric Rhicard on May 7, 2008 |
Admins: | adrian montaƱo, Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen |
Description
There are three formations here, Neptune. Aegir, and Posieden with routes on the upper and lower sections. The north facing walls are known as the red walls and tend to have steeper harder routes. This is an area that still gives me butterflys on the approach. Most of the routes are trad and it takes a long run out with something to hit on the way down before it gets an R. Many of the routes would be considered at least PG-13 these days. This place has seen two fatalities so you need to be careful. Some of the climbs are fantastic and the views are spectacular. You will rarely find others climbing at the Reef due to it's intimidating nature. So if it is adventure you want it is worth a visit. Best time to climb here is May to October. It can be dicey in July and August due to the summer thunderstorms so an early start is a good idea. As for dogs, people take them but they need to be sure footed as a mistake can be bad. My dog took a 30 footer and was fortunate enough to escape with some scrapes and bruises. It did ruin the day for the four of us and we all headed home early.
Getting There
Drive to the ski area on mMt. Lemmon. Continue past the parking area through a usually open gate and park at or just past the left hand hairpin turn. It is less than a quarter mile past the ski area parking. At the lower end of the guardrail follow trail down the ridge for 20 minutes or until the trail begins to switchback. Most folks stash packs and rack up at this point. Follow the switch backs down the N. side of Neptune which will be on your left. Descend until possible to get on a large ledge that leads (short scary third class section) around to the west side of the formation. This ledge divides the formations into upper and lower faces. To reach the lower faces drop down one of the gullies or rap from something. It might take more than one rope.
Classic Climbing Routes at Reef of Rocks
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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