Climbing is currently allowed in Last Chance Canyon. Continued access is everyones responsibility. MORE INFO >>>
After careful consideration and discussions with Access Fund representatives and members of the climbing community, posting Last Chance Canyon beta will now be allowed on Mountain Project. However, when climbing at Last Chance Canyon we must be considerate of the Forest Services’ current ban on bolting new routes, climbing, and trespassing within the Solstice and Hermit Caves. The concerns of the Forest Service include archeological resources and rare or endangered plant species in the area. Please, tread lightly, and approach the area with a sense of respect.
Access Fund representatives are currently working with the Forest Service in creating a Climbing Management Plan for the area. We can assist them in this process by acting responsibly as a user group. As a community of climbers, it is important that visiting and local climbers share the responsibility in conducting themselves in a way that reflects positively on our larger community. Please respect the requests and policies of the Forest Service in order to preserve our access to this area.
As the name suggests, this sun-soaked crag is a great place to enjoy moderate lines on a cold day. If the sun is out, this is shirts off territory, even when snow and ice is present across the canyon. All of the routes here are moderate and short. The rock quality is very good. The lines are a bit squeezed, but with so little good rock on this side of the canyon, its understandable.
Getting There
The Heater is directly across the canyon from the Hueco Cave, on the north side of the streambed. This is the furthest east crag before the canyon bends to the north.
To approach, hike down the canyon bottom on a good cattle track. Once you are below the cliff a good trail leads up the short hillside to the cliff.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for The Heater: