PRINT: Rock Climb Cell Block Nine, Mount Lemmon (Santa Catalina Mountains)

Cell Block Nine

5.9, Trad, Sport, 60 ft (18 m),

Avg: 1.8 from 38 votes
FA: Kurt Schroeder, Ben Burnham 1999
Arizona > Southern Arizona > Mt Lemmon (Sant… > Mt Lemmon (Cata… > 1 - Lower Highway > Prison Camp (Go… > Cell Blocks

Description

The is the right-most of the three Cell Block climbs. The Cell Blocks can be found on the west side of the creek, just above the point where it makes a 90 degree turn to the east.

This route heads directly up the overhanging "cell-block". The roof move is well-bolted and fun, if a bit awkward.

Protection

4 bolts with chains up top.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Big roof. Fun climb.

Climbing the face of the "cell block" boosts rating.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Anonymous Coward

15 foot Run out between 2nd and 3rd bolt..some thin cracks in between for gear Sep 17, 2005

Jim Thompson
Los Alamos, NM

I really like the roof move.It is easier to go left once you get to the block.It also helps to have shoulder length slings for the top two bolts. Otherwise the rope drag is pretty bad.

For a fun variation, after completing the route, lower to just beneath the block and try going straight up.Around a 5.10 sequence.

The nut on the top bolt was loose, and I tightened it by hand at least four revolutions. Jan 9, 2006

duffy
Tucson, AZ

We climbed this on 1/1/08 and avoided the runout/gear by climbing Cell Block 6 towing a rope. Once up top you can climb the "cell block" and set up TR. The setup is a little scary as the bolts for Cell Block 9 are a bit of a reach from the top of the block. PLEASE use caution. Jan 4, 2008

kurt schroeder

This is a mixed climb and was that way from the start. I've done this many ways, chicken more to the left, straight up and feelin' strong right in relation to the block. Yes, a one move wonder, but it get's your attention. Nov 30, 2008

jaspur Chafer
tucson, az

5.9

roof move is worth the top rope setup. super fun. tricky Feb 20, 2014