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Grapefield

International > N America > Aruba

Description

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.

Getting There

From anywhere on the island, head to the famous Red Anchor on the coast near San Nicholas in the southeast portion of the island.

From the Red Anchor, go north on a dirt road that parallels the coast. Almost immeadiately, you'll see the southern (left) end of the cliff band with the prison on top.

The rock both on the ground and around the cliff is very sharp. There are also a lot of cacti. Bring some decent shoes rather than open-toed sandals.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

It's like climbing on a coral reef.
[Hide Photo] It's like climbing on a coral reef.
"goat"field.  Goats are very prevalent in the area
[Hide Photo] "goat"field. Goats are very prevalent in the area
The Red Anchor that marks the left turn toward Grapefield.
[Hide Photo] The Red Anchor that marks the left turn toward Grapefield.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

CurtisF4i Lee
Ocala, Fl
[Hide Comment] crag is very easy to get to like the instructions indicate. I suggest taping up before you climb as the rock out there is very sharp. great views from the top, and a very lonely vibe out there. Watch for cacti on approach and be wary of goats while driving.
Please do the area a favor and when you head out there take a piece of trash back out with you. That side of the island doesnt get the attention the tourist area gets and some people dont respect the land as much as they should. Nov 20, 2011
[Hide Comment] Visited Grapefield in April 2015. The bolts on the top are in good shape but do not underestimate how far back they are set. It gets very windy on the top so be careful. The rock is still sharp in most places. Never busy and you may get some people that come by and watch. Overall a good little spot. Apr 20, 2015
[Hide Comment] We climbed at the Dutch Sector yesterday (5/17/18) and had a bolt break on us. We are both ok, thankfully. Definitely not a super well maintained crag, use extreme caution on those bolts or just don't climb there. Considering the salty air, the bolts need to be titanium. May 18, 2018
[Hide Comment] Going to reiterate that the Dutch Sector is definitely not the safest anymore for leading. The bolts have the worst rust I've ever seen, including those in Thailand because of the ocean. Top roping in the Tears portion is not really an option due to how far back the anchors are and how wandering and overhung the routes are but would be relatively safe compared to trying to lead stuff as the anchor bolts are in okay condition. May 6, 2019