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The Fortress
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As You Like It 
Disfigured Foreigner 
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Hard Day at The Orifice 
Rupley Route, The 
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Tres Frijoles 

Hard Day at The Orifice 

5.12b

   

FA: Eric Fazio-Rhicard, Ted Waldor 1996
Type: Sport
Consensus: 5.12b [details]
Length: 1 pitch, 60 feet
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Views: 1,229 page views

Submitted By: WSnyder on Feb 7, 2006


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It's a looong way down.


Description 

Follow the general directions given to get to The Fortress but don't go down the gully. Just as the trail starts down the east side of The Fortress follow the ledge around the left side and you will find a safety cable. This cable will lead to another cable that will guide you safely down to the climbs.

The Orifice is in the running for one of the mountains best sport climbs. This route has a huge exposure factor (laugh at your friends when they get needlessly scared), some great jug hauling and enough technical climbing to keep it interesting. A hard start leads to a large orifice which serves as a rest before the real climbing begins. Sign the guestbook while you rest in the hole. Figure out how to get out of the hole and then do the technical crux. Now jug haul for a ways and get ready for some final action before it mellows out for the finish. Follow the bolt line to the right near the top for the original (easier) finish or cut left (harder) for another letter grade worth of fun.


Protection 

Bolts, Chain anchors



Add Photo Photos of Hard Day at The Orifice
Climber in the middle of the route.

Climber in the middle of the route.

Climber exiting the orifice!

Climber exiting the orifice!

Matt Birch lowering off of Hard Day at the Orifice.  It is 35 feet out from the start of the 70 ft. pitch.  The Ravens are in the background.

Matt Birch lowering off of Hard Day at the Orifice...

EFR just after the Orifice.  It is July and 97 degrees in Tucson but it is cool enough to warrant a wool hat.  Too bad there is no climbing in Tucson in the summer.

EFR just after the Orifice. It is July and 97 deg...


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By jbak
From: Tucson, AZ
Feb 27, 2006

A strong contender for best pitch on Mt. Lemmon.

By WSnyder
Mar 10, 2006

For a thrill and a reward after you redpoint take the big swing. After cleaning the route, climb up on TR to the second bolt or higher and take the swing out over the canyon below. Mandatory at least once. Make sure your belayer doesn't lower you too soon so you don't hit the ledge when swinging back in.