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Rappel Rock Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Rappel Rock

East Face 5 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 5

North Face 1 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 2

South Face 20 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 20

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Elevation:	8,417 ft	2,566 m
GPS:	32.4323, -110.7933 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	53,624 total · 199/month
Shared By:	James DeRoussel on Oct 28, 2002 · Updates
Admins:	adrian montaño, Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

Access Issue: Potentially unavailable to climbing February through July if raptors are breeding here. Details

This area is historically used by nesting falcons, hawks, owls or other raptors. Breeding season varies but is roughly February through July. Nesting raptors are protected by law.

If you aren't sure if raptors are breeding here, then listen and watch for defensive behavior such as screeching or diving (links to info). If raptors are breeding in this area please climb somewhere else and let other climbers know.

Pressures on wildlife can be immense and are multiplied by effects of climate change and pollutants. Choosing to climb away from nest sites reduces unnecessary stresses to the birds. Give these animals a chance to thrive.

More info here: theclimbershome.org/breedin…

Description

Rappel Rock is located near the summit of Mt Lemmon at an elevation of over 9000 feet. Like the other summit crags, Rap Rock offers cool temps and spectacular views of Tucson to the south.

There are a number of high quality routes. Some of the longest moderate routes on the mountain can be found on the South Face.

Getting There

Driving the Catalina Highway turning right towards the ski valley immediately prior to the village of Summerhaven. Continue through the ski valley parking lot, past a gate, and up a narrow paved road. Follow this road to the observatory where it ends. Use the gravel parking lot if you have Coronado Recreation Fee pass; otherwise park along the shoulder of the road.

Pick up the trail to the left (south) of the fenced-in antennas. After a couple minutes take the left fork onto Mt. Lemmon Trail #5. Follow the rocky road-like trail for approximately 15 minutes until you've passed a metal shed on the right. Just off trail on the left is a pipe with spring water that is safe to drink. Continue past this shed for another hundred yards until you are straight above Rappel Rock. On your left will be a climber's trail marked with cairns. Follow it downhill toward Rappel Rock and Avalon.

There is a large boulder in this area just below the trail. A few minutes on this trail will put you down in plain view of Rap Rock. Follow the trail down and around the west (right) end of two smaller formations. You will be deposited at the back side of Rap Rock. Many parties rack up here to avoid hiking back down for gear after summiting. It's also a good idea to scramble up and check out the descent.

To find the climbs, follow vague, steep trail down and around east (left) end of Rappel Rock.

27 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Rappel Rock

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a 13 ● Not So Easy Arch Trad 2 pitches S Face
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 84 ● Black Quacker Trad 5 pitches S Face
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 81 ● Standard Route Trad 4 pitches S Face
5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c 11 ● Charadras Trad S Face
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 78 ● Bender-Axen Trad S Face
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13 7 ● The Corner Trad S Face
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a PG13 43 ● Quick Death Trad S Face
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a 42 ● Chiboni Trad S Face
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b 16 ● Helm's Deep Trad 3 pitches S Face
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b 6 ● Black Magic Woman Trad 5 pitches S Face
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c 18 ● Voodoo Child Trad 4 pitches S Face
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c 8 ● Lude Trad S Face
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c 4 ● Rotissima Bueno Trad S Face
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a 4 ● Baradur Trad 4 pitches S Face