South Fin has lots of quality rock routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.12+. With trad, sport, and mixed climbs there is something for everyone, and rock quality is very good. It is also very accessible from the highway, making it a popular destination, along with neighboring North Fin.
There are climbs on both sides of the fin, allowing for sun or shade as desired. For climbs on the east face, approach as described below, and continue on around the south end of the fin.
A high concentration of two and three-star climbs make this an especially desirable destination.
Getting There
Driving up the Catalina Highway, park at Windy Point (mp 14.3). From the uphill end of the parking lot, opposite the overlook, cross the highway to the guardrail. An obvious trail leads off from the upper end of the guard rail.
Hike this trail out the ridge away from the highway. As you near the end of the ridge (couple hundred yards), find a trail that drops sharply down the right side along a small cliff. It may take some looking to find the right spot, but once you do, it will be obvious.
Continuing down this trail, you will approach Nancy's Thumb, a large pinnacle with an obvious crack on its north side. The base of South Fin climbs are accessed by descending the steep gully just below Nancy's Thumb. The climbs are on the left hand wall as you descend. Allow five minutes for the approach.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for South Fin:
This route ascends the huge, prominent left-facing corner near the south end of South Fin.Start up the clean dihedral on thin fingers until you can get a stance for pro. Continue up through broken blocks, staying generally in the corner, until you come right under the large roof near the top. While there are a couple of finishes, the most common is to move right under roof and up around corner. Continue up 15 feet to anchors.While easily prote...[more]Browse More Classics in AZ
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