Hairpin Turn (Lefthand Wall)

BETA PHOTO: The Hairpin area. Lefthand Wall is around the cor...

Description 

Hairpin is a great place to climb in the winter. Even when its warmer, the wall is shady in the afternoon. It is very close to town and not much of an approach. There are some great routes in this area. There are also some choss-hikes. Stick to the most travelled routes and you should be able to avoid most of the bad rock. Still, use caution and wear a helmet to belay.

The east-facing part of Left Hand Wall has some decent 5.7-5.9 climbing, much of it bolted. The north-facing wall, just around the corner, has three climbs in the 5.10 range that are well worth the trip. Its also stays shady most of the day. Just be careful approaching these three climbs. A very steep grade with lots of scree makes for unpleasant scrambling.

Beware of some of the easier climbs in this area. Many of the chimneys and faces harbor tons of loose rock.

Getting There 

Driving up the Catalina Highway, park at mp 0.5, just near the National Forest sign. Cross the road and follow a trail from the guard rail down towards the wash. Five minutes of hiking and scrambling down the wash trail will put you under the crag.

Left Hand Wall is just up and to the left. A trail at the cliff's base leads around the corner to the other climbs