Summit Crags  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  8,500' Page Views:  141,086. Good page?    Administrators:  Kristine Hoffman, Greg Opland, James DeRoussel, JJ Schlick, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  James DeRoussel on Jul 11, 2010 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu 91° | 64° 93° | 63° 93° | 64° 97° | 66° 97° | 63°

Closed to climbing, March 15-June 30 MORE INFO >>> This area is closed March 15 - June 30 for nesting pregerine falcons. This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

The summit crags, from left to right: Rappel Rock,...

Description 

The Summit Crags, as the name implies, are located near the uppermost elevations of Mount Lemmon. They are home to some of the longest and highest quality routes in the Santa Catalinas.

The seasonal raptor nesting closures limit the season here to late summer and autumn. Be particularly aware of afternoon storms and lightning if visiting this area early in the season.

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).

The Classics

Featured Route For Summit Crags

Heel-A Monster 5.13-  AZ : Mount Lemmon (Santa Catalin... : ... : The Fortress

Great long route. Best rock quality at the Orifice Wall. Thin and acrobatic climbing, not as steep as the other hard climbs in this area, but still very steep for normal standards. Very hard for about 40 feet (after the big black ledge) and then is sustained, and thought provoking, 11+/12- for a long ways. ATTENTION!!!! LOWERING FALL HAZARD. This route is very steep. When lowering from it, you need to clip your rope back to the draws in order to pull you in, or you will be stranded out in space ...[more]   Browse More Classics in AZ

Photos of Summit Crags Slideshow

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smiles all around	The end of summer.	Tucson from 9,000 ft.
Toofast enjoying a bit of winter near the summit