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GPS: 33.68899, -111.80092
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
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Shared By: Ted Smith on Nov 9, 2008 · Updates
Admins: Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen
Warning Access Issue: Access: DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Back in the days before a lot of this area became the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the McDowell Mountain climbing areas were accessed via various rough dirt tracks that spiked up into the area at a few places, all accessed from the drive south on 128th Street. Once such place was a track that came in from 128th St., crossed some rough washes then traversed the hillside to the west before ending up on the saddle below what became known as the Morrell's Wall Parking Lot." In those days, the approach totaled about 36 seconds. Zoom forward a few decades, the area is saved via creation of the Preserve, and the hike is much longer, but still relatively mellow.

The area is near Morrell's Wall (Northeast of it). Boulder piles ranging from 40 to 75 ft. with several one star (according to Phoenix Rock II) routes.

The top of the southern crag (with Back To The Wall) is mysteriously pin-cushioned with a plethora of bolts all over the place, and none of the anchors are rigged for a properly safe rappel (note: a single bolt with a quick-link on it is not considered the pinnacle of safety).

Getting There Suggest change

10-15 minute approach. Start out from Tom’s thumb trailhead on the TT trail. After 3-4 minutes you’ll take a left on mesquite canyon trail. Follow this for another five minutes before turning right on the Feldspar trail. Take feldspar a couple hundred yards further to the signage for Morrell’s Parking lot. Take a left here and follow the narrow but well grooved trail across the wash and up the hill. You’ll come to a sign directing you to Morrell’s wall parking lot, phoenix boulder, and the continued approach for Morrell’s wall.  The Morrell’s Parking lot Boulders are located just up the hill and to the left of the sign.  

9 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Morrell's Wall Parking Lot

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 31
Back to the Wall
Trad, Sport
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 24
Seven-Up
Sport
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 5
Lightning
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 7
Pinky
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Back to the Wall
 31
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, Sport
Seven-Up
 24
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport
Lightning
 5
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Pinky
 7
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
More Classic Climbs in Morrell's Wall Parking Lot »

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