Rappel Rock is located near the summit of Mt Lemmon at an elevation of over 9000 feet. Like the other summit crags, Rap Rock offers cool temps and spectacular views of Tucson to the south.
There are a number of high quality routes, including some of the longest moderate routes on the mountain.
Getting There
Driving up the Catalina Highway, turn right on the road to the ski valley. Continue past the ski valley, through a gate, and down a rough paved road. Drive to the gravel parking lot on the left just before the observatory. Park here and continue on foot, up the road, following the 'trail' sign. (Stay left when you see the sign at the observatory).
Ten minutes will bring you to a metal shed on the right hand side of the road. There is a spring here on the left...its probably safe, but drink at your own risk.
Continue past this shed for another hundred yards until you see a trail lead off left, downhill toward the crags. There is a large boulder in this area just below the trail. A few minutes on this trail will put you down in plain view of Rap Rock. Follow the trail down and around the west (right) end of two smaller formations. You will be deposited at the back side of Rap Rock.
Many parties rack up here to avoid hiking back down for gear after summiting. Its also a good idea to scramble up and check out the descent.
To find the climbs, follow vague, steep trail down and around east end of Rappel Rock.
Chiboni is a wonderfully challenging pitch of slab climbing at the base of Rappel Rock. You can use this as a starting pitch for any of the lines that head for the tree ledge where the Standard Route/Black Quacker end their first pitches. Start a bit left of the toe of the buttress, move up and around the right end of a low roof and then up the undulating face above. As I said above, there are some good stretches between bolts and you'll have to ...[more]
Rappel Rock
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