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Elevation: 4,543 ft 1,385 m
GPS: 32.32143, -110.71127
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 647 total · 14/month
Shared By: Michael Russo on Apr 28, 2022
Admins: adrian montaño, Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen
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Description Suggest change

The Obelisk is the obvious white buttress that is the highest point of the Colosseum crag and sits in the middle of the cliff band. It offers the longest routes in the whole area (currently), and some of the longest single pitch routes on Mt. Lemmon before reaching the summit crags. 

Note: The belay zone can be lose but had cleaned up. Still, use caution. There is a belay bolt, some "steps", and two fixed lines in good condition you can use to navigate the area. 

Getting There Suggest change

Hike up the main trail. The trail will eventually deposit you at the base of The Aqueducts. At this time, The Obelisk area is best approached via the Aqueduct gully. Utilize the bolted fixed line that will help you reach the "saddle" of the Aqueduct gully. You will be in front of the 3, 5.11 climbs. Drop down the other fixed line to reach the ledge for "Carpe Diem".

Alternatively, hike down around the Janiculum and up and around to the base of The Obelisk via a basic trail. Trail is currently very rudimentary and is quite loose, requiring more devoted trail development. This approach will lead you to the ledge for the start of "Carpe Diem".

5 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at The Obelisk

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 10
● Veni, Vidi, Sendi
Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 11
● Et tu, Brute?
Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 15
● While Rome Burned
Sport
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 6
● Carpe Diem
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Veni, Vidi, Sendi
 10
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
● Et tu, Brute?
 11
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
● While Rome Burned
 15
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
● Carpe Diem
 6
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport
More Classic Climbs in The Obelisk »

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Photos

The Obelisk routes/topo as viewed from the NE face from the top of the Aqueducts gully <br> <br> Pink: Carpe Diem (12a/b) <br> Green: While Rome Burned (11c) <br> Yellow: Et Tu, Brute? (11c) <br> Red: Veni, Vidi, Sendi (11a/b)
The Obelisk routes/topo as viewed from the NE f…
 1
Once you're at the base of the Obelisk routes, it's a comfortable hang. Even Riley agrees.
Once you're at the base of the Obelisk routes,…
 3
The Obelisk from the alternative approach trail. This approach deposits you at the belay ledge for the start of "Carpe Diem", which climbs the obvious arete to the top of the buttress.
The Obelisk from the alternative approach trail…
 1

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