Summit Crags  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  8,500' Page Views:  141,533. 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  Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 99° | 66° 97° | 66° 97° | 64° 95° | 64° 95° | 61°

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

The Rupley Route 5.9  AZ : Mount Lemmon (Santa Catalin... : ... : The Fortress

The Rupley Route is a great mixed face and crack line that runs all the way up the Fortress. Although rated a moderate 5.9, the short crux face bit on first pitch was a little surprising in it's difficulty. It felt harder to me than some of the 10's at Munchkin Wall. Having said that, the bolts are pretty close together and you can always yard on the draws to get through the hard part if you get stuck.The route starts kinda left-middle at the base of the south face. The route Steel Crazy starts ...[more]   Browse More Classics in AZ

Photos of Summit Crags Slideshow

Add Photo

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