Lake Mary Areas Bouldering

The bouldering areas above Lower Lake Mary consist of the long stretching, intermittent limestone band that runs from the Pit on the west, all the way to FR 128 on the east, where the limestone finally peters out, and the basalt starts to take over. FR 128 marks the start of Anderson Mesa, a basalt cap that dominates much of the north side of Upper Lake Mary. There are miles of basalt outcroppings above the highway, but the most traveled area is above the Lakeview Campground.

These are old areas that have been climbed at for a long time, by a lot of good climbers. Robert Drysdale and friends established the Booze Pig Wall in the early 90's, along side the early development of Priest Draw. Most of these bands remain exploratory at this point, and have become overgrown. However, there are several areas that are more condensed, and offer up a good concentration of excellent problems with often moderate grades on superb rock. There are a lot of undocumented problems at the Ridge.

The southern aspect makes these areas a real treat in the fall, spring, and even in the dead of winter depending upon the year.  All of these areas are accessed off of Lake Mary road, with short uphill approaches and views of Lower and Upper Lake Mary, as well as Mormon Mountain off to the south east. These areas will require seasonal cleanings, especially after winter and the monsoons. If you get up there and find a fine layer a silt over everything, rest well in the knowledge that you are the first person up there in probably a long time. Usually a stick brush or broom will suffice to get rid of the surface silt, though having a short rope and harness to inspect the higher problems isn't a bad idea.