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Rapunzel's Tower

Arizona > Southern Arizona > Mt Lemmon (Sant… > Mt Lemmon (Cata… > 2 - Bear Canyon > Nursery

Description

This is the central tower-like formation with climbs on all 3 sides. The formation is crowned by the striking diving board roof. The routes on the left side of the formation are steep and juggy, very different from the routes on Teddy Bear Slabs.

As of winter 2025 bolts have been added and the routes have been thoroughly cleaned making them leadable and safe, but if you prefer you may still set up topropes by hiking up the gulley on either side to the top of the formation. Note that it is more difficult to reach the anchors on these routes than it is to access the anchors on Teddy Bear Slabs.

Getting There

This is the central formation and the first you will encounter on the approach trail from the road. Following the trail, you will arrive directly at the start of Traditional Fairytale which is located below the giant roof. Briar Patch begins just to the right of this. To get to the corridor with the other climbs on the west side of the formation, follow a short trail branching off the main trail to the left.

Routes from Left to Right

5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 8
The Golden Stair
Trad
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
 8
The Prince
Sport
5.9- 5c 17 VI 16 HVS 4c
 3
Let Down Your Hair
Trad, TR
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
 9
Traditional Fairytale
Trad
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 6
Briar Patch
Sport, TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
The Golden Stair
 8
5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
The Prince
 8
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b Sport
Let Down Your Hair
 3
5.9- 5c 17 VI 16 HVS 4c Trad, TR
Traditional Fairytale
 9
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a Trad
Briar Patch
 6
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport, TR

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Rapunzel's Tower from the approach trail. Traditional Fairytale is the crack in the foreground. Briar Patch is the dihedral in the shadow on the right. The Golden Stair, The Prince, and Let Down Your Hair are in the corridor to the left.
[Hide Photo] Rapunzel's Tower from the approach trail. Traditional Fairytale is the crack in the foreground. Briar Patch is the dihedral in the shadow on the right. The Golden Stair, The Prince, and Let Down Yo…
Traditional Fairytale
[Hide Photo] Traditional Fairytale