Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

Citdibi

International > Asia > Turkey

Description

World Class.

The setting and climbing at Citdibi are absolutely incredible. The massive blue-streaked and tufa riddled wall is by far one of the most amazing limestone cliff I have ever seen. The atmosphere of the crag is wonderful. It is very quiet and surrounded by beautiful forest, it is also usually pretty empty. The wall is in the sun until around 11:30, and depending on the season, it can be unclimbable in the sun (too hot!) Citdibi is one of the premiere destinations in Turkey, and it should be at the top of everyone's list.

Believe it or not, Citdibi also has nearly every style of climbing. If huge sweeping tufa lines are not your thing, there are also excellent shorter bouldery routes, vertical face climbing, and slab climbing. The grades here range from 5.9-5.14b so there is something for everyone. That being said, the majority of the climbs here are in the 5.13 range. The guidebook from Ozturk is slightly out of date, and an updated route guide can be downloaded for free here https://www.boltingantalya.com/post/2021-udate-geyikbayiri.

As far as gear goes, I would say that 16 quickdraws, aggressive shoes, and a 70M rope are all you need. If a route is longer, there are usually midway anchors to lower twice, tie a knot in your end just in case! If you need to pick up any climbing gear, the shop in Antalya is your best bet. tibetoutdoor.com/en/

The area was found by Tobias Haug in 2002, but many of the routes went up during the Petzl Rock Trip in 2014. When you see how many routes Tobias has bolted, think about leaving something in the bolting fund box at JoSiTo. All the routes are well bolted with mostly glue ins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWrNoka8jJw

Getting There

To get to Citdibi, you will need to rent a car, or arrange a shuttle from Josito, both are around $30. If you are driving from Geyikbayiri, head down the main road until you get to where the Sunday market is (big intersection with round about thingy). Turn right at the main intersection and drive up past signs for Hamustafalar. Continue up the road and eventually it will become more narrow and windy as you ascend higher into the mountains. You will pass a white sign that says "Citdibi" And keep going for a few more minutes. Turn right when you see the blue sign for "Citdibi Koya". Take your first left onto a nice gravel road, then your first right to a worse gravel road. follow that dirt road until you get to the Masal Refuge where there is a sign for parking.

From the Masal Refuge, follow the painted sign to the trail (close the gate behind you). Hike up the trail up the hill for about 15 minutes and you will come out of the trees facing one of the most impressive limestone walls in Turkey.

Lodging

If you want to spend multiple days up at Citdibi (which you should), the Masal Refuge is the place. There is a full kitchen, shower house, and several bungalows. It is managed through JoSiTo, and reservations can be made on the website masalrefuge.com/

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Duyugu Haug on Carlo James Wedding Present. (Photo Christian Pfanzelt)
[Hide Photo] Duyugu Haug on Carlo James Wedding Present. (Photo Christian Pfanzelt)
Living the good life at the Masal Refuge
[Hide Photo] Living the good life at the Masal Refuge
Route developers Tobias and Duygu on the approach. For years, they pretty much had the whole crag to themselves.
[Hide Photo] Route developers Tobias and Duygu on the approach. For years, they pretty much had the whole crag to themselves.
Classic Shot! Photo from the Petzl Roc Trip
[Hide Photo] Classic Shot! Photo from the Petzl Roc Trip

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

[Hide Comment] I agree that this is a world class crag, particularly for anyone projecting routes in the mid 5.12 to 5.14 range. The 5.11+ climbers in our group also loved it but did start to run out of options after a few visits.

For more detailed information on Citdibi, pick up a guidebook at JoSiTo in Geyikbayiri or see thecrag.com and its companion Topo Guru app. Also note that the Masal Refuge is closed now and that most climbers we encountered there were driving over from JoSiTo. Nov 7, 2022
Hugh Heinrich
Cody, WY
[Hide Comment] Pin for parking and trailhead: maps.app.goo.gl/5xsmLrwLC5J… Nov 6, 2023