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Elevation: 1,142 ft
GPS: 37.83768, -83.64701
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 114,379 total · 538/month
Shared By: Chris Chaney on Oct 4, 2006 · Updates
Admins: Shirtless Mike, DrRockso RRG, Luke Cornejo, Billy Simek
Warning Access Issue: New route development is prohibited in the Daniel Boone National Forest. DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

This is the best crag in the RRG for learning trad climbing. There is the greatest concentration of easier routes, with quality routes at every grade from 5.6 to 5.11.

The aspect is generally southern, with some routes getting morning sun and some getting afternoon. The wall is hot in summer, but somewhat sheltered in light rain.

There are a few easy and moderate multi-pitch routes so this is also a great wall to get a little MP practice in a well travelled setting.

Fortress can be very crowded at times. Large groups often take over the crag which can ruin everyone's day.

If you are a trad climber and visit the area you can't pass up spending some time here.

Getting There Suggest change

Parking area GPS: 37.8380, -83.6440

31 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Fortress Wall Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Fortress Wall

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
 251
Calypso III
Trad
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 543
Bedtime for Bonzo
Trad 2 pitches
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R
 87
American Wall
Trad
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 260
American Crack
Trad
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 256
Calypso II
Trad
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 290
Party Time
Trad 2 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 192
Calypso I
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 126
Bombs Bursting
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 278
Snake
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a PG13
 148
Blue Runner
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 47
Calypso I (direct variation)
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 5
PLENTY Of Sun
Trad 2 pitches
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b A2
 122
Where Lizards Dare
Trad, Aid
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
 7
The Battlement
Trad 2 pitches
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 17
Thunder Chicken
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Calypso III
 251
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a Trad
Bedtime for Bonzo
 543
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad 2 pitches
American Wall
 87
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R Trad
American Crack
 260
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad
Calypso II
 256
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad
Party Time
 290
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad 2 pitches
Calypso I
 192
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
Bombs Bursting
 126
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Snake
 278
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Blue Runner
 148
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a PG13 Trad
Calypso I (direct variation)
 47
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
PLENTY Of Sun
 5
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad 2 pitches
Where Lizards Dare
 122
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b A2 Trad, Aid
The Battlement
 7
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b Trad 2 pitches
Thunder Chicken
 17
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Trad
More Classic Climbs in Fortress Wall »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Details: All day sun in summer. Sun most of the day in winter.

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