Climbing Near Rochester, Minnesota

A couple of unique sandstone boulders sitting atop a hill in the center of America's heartland. The rock closely resembles rock found in the Red River Gorge. Mostly a fun eliminate area, there are a few pure lines available. Originally found by Dave Brandt and Jim Blakely sometime in the early 90's (maybe 80's) it sat unclimbed until 1999. Unfortunately, it is on private land that is owned by an old farmer. For a while, people were allowed to use the area as long as they called the farmer first. For whatever reason, only about 50% of those who climbed there would end up calling the guy. The farmer eventually got bummed on climbers and dropped the hammer on all who entered. As well, a small tree got cut down and he apparently had quite an attachment to the little guy... If things had gone differently back then, there would still be this rad little area for locals to frequent. Although I've heard of full camo nighttime bouldering missions, I would NOT suggest climbing there until a new land owner comes along. The farmer has a seriously fast golf cart that would be quite hard to out run with a crashpad on your back. Those who lived in Rochester and had the pleasure to climb there should feel lucky. The closest place to pick up a 6pack is Tilly's Tavern which is on hwy 52 in Oronoco. They do "off sale" until 10pm. Poor selection Since this area is currently off limits to climbers I will only say that it is 10 minutes nw of Rochester. The approach involved quite a few cow turds one had to manuever.

There are a handfull of bolted routes and a few more top-rope climbs located on this natural limestone outcropping. Most of the routes are medium to high quality and range from 5.8 to 5.12. The cliff is entirely on private land and located immediatley off the edge of the road. Please be on your best behavior, wave and smile to the locals, remove all trash you may find, refrainfrom excessive chalk use (or scrub up after yourself) and stay off the road while belaying. The crag is newly developed and is not entirely finished. As such, expect some loose rock and some routes to be a bit dusty. Some of the top-rope climbs will be bolted in the near future by the crag's developers. On some routes, special hangers are fixed to the bolts that allow you to clip in and then thread a rapell if its just not your day. Please resist the temptation to simply rethread and get lowered as this will wear out the hangers quickly and require them to be replaced. Canidae Cliff is in Hammond, Minnesota, in Wabasha county, 14 miles N of Rochester, Minnesota (center to center) and 61 miles SE of St. Paul, Minnesota. Please park off the road on the north side of the crag. An access trail to the top of the cliff is located approximatley 100 yards north of the crag. From The Twin Cities: Take Highway 52 south past Zumbrota. Take Highway 60 east into Zumbro Falls and head south on Highway 63 to the small (don't blink) town of South Troy. Take Highway 11 east to the town of Hammond. Right before you cross the Zumbor River, take CR6 south. Drive 1/4 mile to the crag on your left, turn around, drive north past the crag to park on the shoulder (off the road). From Rochester: Go north on 63 to the road that is marked to Plainview, hwy 247. Make a right. Go about 2 miles, and take the second left (there is one road intersecting per mile). This dirt road winds around and at one point you curve left where the road forks. After going down a little hill with couches and old dishwashers in the ditch to your right, you will come to a stop sign. The cliff is straight ahead. Park past the cliff on the right. From Redwing: Head south on Highway 61 to Highway 63 south. Follow this to Zumbro Falls and conintue on as in the directions form the Twin Cities.

There is a railroad bridge pillar before you come to Farmers Park just outside of Stockton, MN that works as a place to get a quick burn. It is tall but we usually stay low and traverse around. Good spot for beginner practice and stamina training. Good hard dolomite!!! Try a full traverse around the whole pillar!!! Take 14 southeast from Stockton around 3 miles and turn to go to Farmers Park, it is the pillar that stands alone.