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> 4 - Windy Point West
Swim Fin is a popular rock due to its accessibility and the high concentration of moderate climbs in this immediate area. Shade can usually be found on one side of the rock, depending on time of day and season. Certainly a full day can be had in this area, though some of it may be spent waiting in line.
The most recommendable route on Swim Fin is Ego Donor(5.9), a clip-up on the back side, facing Blazing Fin. It is sustained and fun...an honest-to-goodness 5.9!
Driving up the Catalina Highway, park at Windy Point (mp 14.3). From the uphill end of the parking lot, opposite the overlook, cross the highway to the guardrail. An obvious trail leads off from behind the outhouses.
Hike this trail out the ridge away from the highway. As you near the end of the ridge (couple hundred yards), find a trail that drops sharply down the right side along a small cliff. It may take some looking to find the right spot, but once you do, it will be obvious. It is well-traveled.
Continuing down this trail, you'll approach Nancy's Thumb, a large pinnacle with an obvious crack on the north side. Follow a less defined trail off to the right from Nancy's Thumb. It will lead through some dense brush and out onto a large, open slab. Swim Fin is the rock to your left. You'll be looking at the east side of Swim Fin. There are climbs on both the front and back sides as well as on Blazing fin. Allow seven minutes for the approach.
Routes on Blazing fin have been included in this group. Blazing fin is just west of swim fin. It forms the west side of the corridor along the west side of Swim fin. The routes 5.7 Degrees in the Shade through Blazing Apostles are all actually on Blazing fin. The routes Singh Along through Ego Donor are on the west side of Swim fin. The routes Fashionably Late through Party Pooters are on the east side of swim fin. To locate yourself in the west gully: 5.7 Degrees in the Shade is at the top of the gully. Ego donor is across the gully from Grab em in Da Biscuits and Makin Muffins.
Tucson, AZ
this is a perfect climb to develop trad sense, especially where route finding is concerned (the pro does take some finding higher on the route). for me it was great practice and great fun.
EDIT
added it today, 4/8/08. Mar 10, 2008