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Elevation: 753 ft
GPS: 37.56987, -89.31719
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 53,425 total · 632/month
Shared By: Dave Hug on Apr 9, 2017
Admins: Aaron Mc, Dave Hug, Kevin Sierzega
Warning Access Issue: Bouldering is on Private Property DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

In the Spring of 2017, a brand new crag was opened up for climbers. Welcome to Alto Pass! This project was made possible thanks to a great relationship between the town of Alto Pass and the Illinois Climbers Association. Primarily a sport and bouldering area with traditional lines mixed in, these shorter walls provide endless fun. The area is well suited for "first leads" because of the closely spaced bolts and fun climbing. With abundant shade in the warmer months and plentiful sun in the cooler months, this area is climber friendly year round. Alto Pass is still in its development phase, so keep your eyes peeled as route development continues.

Have fun!

Getting There Suggest change

There is not an official address for the climbing area, but if you use the gps coordinates, your phone (or whatever device you use), will be able to guide you to the trail to access the climbing area.

GPS Coordinates
37.569875, -89.317272

Park at the Quetil Trail parking lot and hike down the old rail road bed. After about two minutes you reach the rock.

Refer to map

Resources

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[[Illinois Climbers Association]] ilclimbers.org
Founded in 2002. The Illinois Climbers Association is a charitable organization representing the climbers of Illinois. We are dedicated to preserving climbing and bouldering access in Illinois through education, conservation, and cooperation.

Mission

The Illinois Climbers Association is a 501(c)3 charitable organization created to:

  1. Promote and support conservation and preservation of both rock climbing and bouldering areas, and their respective natural resources in Illinois
  2. Encourage optimal recreational use of Illinois outdoor climbing resources through land stewardship education and by facilitating cooperation between climbers, private land owners, and public land managers
  3. Encourage and promote the development of policies and practices that will preserve climbing and bouldering areas in Illinois

HELP THE ICA BOLT NEW ROUTES AT ALTO PASS! 
The ICA was instrumental in acquiring access to the climbing at Alto Pass. If you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to contact them.

**PLEASE DONATE**
Click HERE to donate towards the Illinois Climber Association's bolting cause.

Area Amenities

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Places To Eat

Root Beer Saloon

Root Beer served in frosted mugs (the home of Mr. Frosty) in a place that has an ambiance unlike any other. The decor includes over 175 sets of antlers (elk, caribou, deer, moose), many taxidermy mounts of gamefish, over 150 mounted ducks, geese & birds, beasts large and small, a giant statue of King Tut, a wooden cigar store Indian, antique guns, snow shoes, decoys, fishing plugs, even a Michael Garman diorama a replica of a New York tenement from the 1930's and so much more it boggles the eye and mind.

Grammer's Market

We are a unique ole time Mom and Pop Market. We house a variety of items: Deli Sandwiches (Home of the Flying Pig), Drinks, Ice, Grocery, Gift Items, Gift Baskets, Cards, Tack, Electrical, Plumbing, Hardware and various other Items.

Wineries

Alto Vineyards

The Renzaglia Family welcomes you to Alto Vineyards and invites you to taste some of the finest wines produced in the United States. Our family owned winery and vineyard is located in the foothills of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. Since our first vintage in 1988, our wines have won numerous medals in National and International wine competitions. Our family takes great pride in growing high quality grapes and producing award winning wines.

Headman Winery

Welcome to Hedman Vineyards. You will find us in the scenic fruit and wine country among the rolling hills of southern Illinois, in the small town of Alto Pass. We are located 16 miles south of Carbondale within the Shawnee National Forest.

Many different activities are available while you visit. Antiquing, walking the trails in the Shawnee National Forest, eating sun-ripened peaches just picked from our orchard, visiting down town Alto Pass, or sitting on the deck, sipping a glass of wine while watching the Humming Birds and Barn Swallows, are just a few of the activities you can enjoy.

Browsing through our Scandinavian gift shop while tasting our estate wines, from grapes grown in our vineyard. Dine at our Peach Barn Cafe' and savory authentic Swedish cuisine. Cafe' open Wednesday - Sunday.

Von Jakob Vineyard & Brewery

Located among the beautiful rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Von Jakob is the perfect getaway. As a family-owned business established nearly 20 years ago, we offer our guests an inviting and fun atmosphere to relax and unwind. While visiting our tasting room, sample from over 20 varieties of wine, a wide selection of hand-crafted beers and award winning hard apple cider. We offer a delicious lunch menu available daily and a full service restaurant open Friday and Saturday evenings. We also have live music every weekend and host a number of festivals, weddings and private events throughout the year. When your here, feel free to extend your stay with us at one of our charming Bed & Breakfast Suites. Come experience a trip to Little Germany when you visit Von Jakob.

In The Case Of An Emergency

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Cell phone service may be limited at the bottom of the cliff line. Remember, there is an easy/short hike to the top that one can utilize to gain better reception. 

36 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

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Classic Climbing Routes at Alto Pass

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V1 5
 5
Wet Dream
Boulder
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 19
Sprecher Brew Co
Sport
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 23
Know Your Grammar
Sport
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 22
Alto Chili Bowl
Sport
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 19
Ticket To Ride
Sport
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 15
Draft Root Beer
Sport
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 21
Stop Pass
Sport
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 13
Fitz's
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 22
The Cradler
Sport
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
 32
Geometrics
Sport
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
 13
Rendleman's
Sport
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
 6
Corn Liquor
Sport
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
 10
Swamp Hog
Sport
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
 10
Flying Pig
Sport
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
 7
Von Jakob
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Wet Dream F: Bouldering > Railroad Boulder
 5
V1 5 Boulder
Sprecher Brew Co A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 19
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Sport
Know Your Grammar A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 23
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Sport
Alto Chili Bowl A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 22
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Sport
Ticket To Ride A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 19
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport
Draft Root Beer C: Root Beer Saloon
 15
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport
Stop Pass A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 21
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport
Fitz's C: Root Beer Saloon
 13
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport
The Cradler A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 22
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Geometrics A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 32
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Rendleman's A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 13
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Corn Liquor A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 6
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c Sport
Swamp Hog A: Quetil Trail Bluff
 10
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c Sport
Flying Pig D: Red Bud Meadow
 10
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c Sport
Von Jakob D: Red Bud Meadow
 7
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c Sport
More Classic Climbs in Alto Pass »

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