Grapefield Rock Climbing

As of March 2025, the Grapefield area in the southeast portion of the island still has massive potential for roped climbing. However, the late 1990s routes in the Dutch Sector need all of the badly corroded lead bolts replaced with titanium glue-ins.

The Grapefield area is on the southeastern side of the island, not far from San Nicolas and the famous Red Anchor (coordinates of 12.434233, -69.876733). The limestone cliff band in this area runs for over a mile and ranges in height from about 20-60 feet. There are less than vertical walls with moderates as well as large cave features that could host plenty of 5.11-5.13 routes.

From south to north, starting by the Red Anchor and prison, and going north toward the wind turbines are the:

Dutch Sector (developed by Dutch climbers in the later 1990s)

Military Sector (developed by the Aruban military circa 2020)

California Sector (development started by Californian climbers in 2025)

 See each section for location, access and route information.

The entire mile-long cliff band generally faces east and much of the cliff goes into the shade about 11am. During the prime climbing season (January-July), there is almost always a breeze, making climbing in the shade perfect.