Access Issue: Potentially unavailable to climbing February through July if raptors are breeding here.
Details
This area is historically used by nesting falcons, hawks, owls or other raptors. Breeding season varies but is roughly February through July. Nesting raptors are protected by law.
If you aren't sure if raptors are breeding here, then listen and watch for defensive behavior such as screeching or diving (links to info). If raptors are breeding in this area please climb somewhere else and let other climbers know.
Pressures on wildlife can be immense and are multiplied by effects of climate change and pollutants. Choosing to climb away from nest sites reduces unnecessary stresses to the birds. Give these animals a chance to thrive.
The Orifice Wall, which is one of the most popular and unique crags in Southern Arizona, boasts some of the steepest and hardest climbs in the region. Classic lines include Hard Day at The Orifice, Orifice Politics, and Coup d'etat.
The wall is relatively impervious to the frequent summer monsoon rains, sees shade almost all day (after 10:30am), and is almost entirely fixed chain draws. On summer weekends the crag is frequently busy with lines on some routes.
The overhung nature of the climbing demands heel-hooks and knee-bars, a rarity in Tucson. A knee pad is recommended for some of the lines.
Getting There
Approach the The Fortress using the directions up one level. Trend left without losing elevation until a fixed chain appears. Put on your harness and clip into the chain using either a quickdraw or sling. Carefully traverse onto the ledge from which all the climbs start.
[Hide Photo] Another hard day at the Orifice...Wall.
[Hide Photo] Puppy dogs staying on the porch. Jesse, Mikie, Chelsea, Vince, EFR, Ryan and Luis. Braxton took the shot while working Eureka.
[Hide Photo] Busy day at the Orifice Wall with the Big Dogs running wild. Jesse Shultz working Eureka 13- and Luis working the Hard Day At The Orifice 12.
[Hide Photo] Matt Birch on Hard Day at the Orifice.
[Hide Comment] Really nice to be on top of the Ravens or Rapp rock and hear the incessant cry’s of climbers peeling off the wall. Oh and all the fixed hardware looks so good hanging off the wall like a goth version of Frankenstein!
Jun 25, 2022
Access Issue: Potentially unavailable to climbing February through July if raptors are breeding here.
Details
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