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Cerro San Martin

International > S America > Argentina > Rio Negro > San Carlos de Bariloche

Description

Cerro San Martin is a sport climbing area near Catedral Ski Resort. It is sub-divided into four distinct sectors. There are close to 100 routes ranging from 5.4-5.12. A few projects are still waiting to see FA's. Routes are well bolted and require only one 60m rope. Most of the rock is sunny and good quality volcanic with pockets and edges with great friction. Can be climbed year round.

Getting There

Take the bus to Catedral and walk up the hill to the east with the switch-backs. Consult the local guidebook Bariloche Vertical for detailed directions and route information. The best approach is to park at the trailhead near Catedral and walk the road using the marked switchbacks (25 minutes). There is a trail from Los Coihues but it is very steep and takes around 50 minutes of straight up hill.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

View from Cerro San Martin
[Hide Photo] View from Cerro San Martin
Rainy day at Éxodo
[Hide Photo] Rainy day at Éxodo
Genesis upper sector
[Hide Photo] Genesis upper sector

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Robin Agricola
North Easton, MA
[Hide Comment] Okay, here's the beta you need if you're planning on climbing at Genesis:

1. There is limited parking at the trailhead, maybe 4-6 cars. We did not know that, so we parked in the lot at the ski area, which was free and felt safe, and walked about 3 blocks to the trailhead.

2. The 1st shortcut trail is a little bit past where MP has it marked...you'll see a cairn where it begins.

3. When you get to the Genesis area, know that the belay terrain is sub-optimal. Uneven and very loose. Be prepared. We found the best way out was to solo the 4th class slab behind us (I know, we're SO badass)...but it felt more secure than the trail.

4. The climbs here are short, but very sweet.

5. If you want to escape the afternoon sun, climbing on the right side of Genesis is your best bet. It gets shade until maybe 5pm (we were there in February). The 6c+ on the far left and the 5+ to its right were QUALITY routes. We were told by locals that the 5 and 4 on the right-most side of the crag were meh.

Hope this helps anyone trying to climb here. Worth a day trip. Don't be too discouraged by the height of the walls...it's worth climbing there for the views alone! Feb 9, 2020
Ryan Arifin
Dallas, TX
[Hide Comment] You can also arrive here by taking bus 50 (same bus you can use to get to Calabozo)! Get off at the stop closest to "Hosteria El Condado by Nordic", and follow the trail to the Cerro San Martin ridge line seen on Mountain Project! The trail is also seen on Gaia GPS.

Seconding below - the icon when the "Genesis" crag is a little inaccurate. Gain the ridge and head south on the ridge. The rock fins are obvious and you can't miss them! Mar 24, 2024