All Locations > Minnesota > Blue Mounds SP… > Mini Fortress Area

First Fortress Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in First Fortress

L › R R › L A › Z

	A Fool and Their Beer Are Soon Parted TR 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Chainsaw massacre TR 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Dusty Problem T,TR 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
	Finger Games TR 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
	Fortress Chimney T,TR 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
	Petes face T,TR 5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c
	Surprise Ending T,TR 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Unnamed Scramble TR 5.1 2 6 II 7 MD 2a

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GPS:	43.70163, -96.18235 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
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Shared By:	Pete Hunt on May 30, 2011 · Updates
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Description

The first formation of the Mini Fortress Area (when approaching from the south) is First Fortress. It can be spotted by finding the series of roofs near the ground and smaller overhangs partway up, with a couple of fine looking finger cracks in the 15 ft dihedrals. Expect to have the place to yourself. I've never seen anyone else climbing here. There are some great climbs but also a few drawbacks. Cactus are plentiful, and there's little shade. But there are some nice climbs worth doing.

Getting There

After passing the Prairie Walls area there is a small section of forest with no established climbs (see Getting There: Mini Fortress Area), followed by a section of exposed and climbable rock. In fewer words, a short patch of forest north of Aroma Buttress separates First Fortress from the Prairie Walls Area. This is the First Fortress.AnchorsGetting to the anchors is fairly simple using an approach about 20 yards south of First Fortress. Hug the cliff for a short walk while dodging trees and enter a small crevasse about 2 feet wide. Scrambling to the top is safe and protected here. Alternatively, there are a variety of 5.1 approaches you could choose if you don't mind the obvious consequences of climbing with gear on your back.