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Upper Theology Crag

California > Central Coast > Santa Barbara > Lower Mission Canyon…

Description

A short hike past the popular Seven Falls area. Upper Theology Crag touts some of Santa Barbara's most exciting sport climbs on interesting rock. The climbing tends to be dead-vertical to overhanging and on the difficult side (5.11 to 5.12). Most of the routes are in the shade all day so climbing is great year-round although it can even get quite cold in the winter.

Getting There

Hike up Tunnel Trail and head towards the junction of Inspiration Point. Once you reach Mission Creek and the junction for Inspiration Point, hike up Mission Creek till you reach some relatively easy bouldering/scrambling. Follow the creek, and just as you are about to reach the seven falls area, on the left side, there will be a steep path, with a questionable fixed rope, which will take you up the ridge line and then back down. The crag is on your right and has a large carving from the early 1900's at its base. Overall, the hike takes about 30-40 minutes. 

Routes from Left to Right

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The engraving at the base of Theology Crag
[Hide Photo] The engraving at the base of Theology Crag
First views you get of the crag
[Hide Photo] First views you get of the crag

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

[Hide Comment] Went up there yesterday. First, pretty much all the routes feature bolts which are suspect at best--very rusty bolts which are not the modern stainless steel expansion bolts. I climbed nothing because i didn't find any bolts I trusted. Second, many of the climbs require sketchy, committed scrambles on chosen sandstone and planty gullies. I went all the way up to find frizzle fry (didn't find it) and ended up so committed that i felt safer repelling down than trying to down climb the scramble. The climbs look awesome but it seriously needs some re-bolting--some of the climbs have chopped bolts as well.when I learn how to bolt this will be the first crag I visit! May 18, 2023
andy patterson
Carpinteria, CA
[Hide Comment] Kaden, you are right on several accounts: it is an awesome spot, and yes, the bolts are probably suspect. When we were climbing there a lot (early 2000s) things seemed a lot less rusty, but even then we were thinking it could use a facelift. I should point out that a little rust on the surface of a hanger does not necessarily indicate weakness, so take that in to account. Still, that place does probably have some actually compromised bolts. Just a guess—I haven’t been there in forever. May 26, 2023
Eric R
Camarillo, CA
[Hide Comment] Just went up here for the first time the other day. The comment about rusty and bad bolts must be about a specific part of the crag I didn't see. Lazarus had great bolts and they were even painted to the color of the rock, which had one of my buddies unable to find the P1 anchors for a hot second. Part of the group got on No man knows the hour and there was no comments about sketchy bolts. Jan 16, 2025
[Hide Comment] Eric is right- No Man and Lazarus have good bolts while most of the others are looking increasingly sketchy. A worthy project awaits the charitable (and qualified) bolt replacement technician who decides this area is suitable for their next act of benevolence. I’d love to climb TWN sometime, but lack the time/skillz to give it the love it needs… Jan 16, 2025