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Lazarus

5.10c, Sport, 140 ft (42 m), 2 pitches,  Avg: 2.6 from 8 votes
FA: Sam Fearer, Spring 2023 (First Lead: Sam Fearer & Peter Menzies, Summer 2023)
California > Central Coast > Santa Barbara > Lower Mission C… > Upper Theology Crag

Description

This route resurrects the start of an existing line, which fell victim to a petty chopping spree in the mid 2000s, before breaking right into new terrain. Beyond the novelty of a multi-pitch experience close to home, the route offers enjoyable movement on mostly solid rock. Setting, position, and interesting movement offer a “trad” type feel to complement the light rack. 

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P1. Step up from a creekside boulder and follow three bolts of the former line (replaced 1:1). Continue traversing right with the crack and ramp, following camouflaged hangers past two manzanitas until an anchor is eventually reached around a corner. ~ 80ft. 10a.

P2. Follow the slab to a bolt below the roof. Gain a cool pocket mid-face, moving left then back right through the slab. A short section of softer rock yields to the steep and pocketed golden face above which guards the anchors. ~ 60ft. 10c. (11a/b if you go direct).

Rapping once with a 60m will take you to the ground.

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Credit to Bernd Zeugswetter and co for the initial vision on P1 (bolts 1-3), and a shout-out to my friend Marlin for joining in the thankless custodial battle against lichen on P1. Keep this thing alive and brush some while you send!

Location

Approach as for theology crag. After scrambling up the boulder that gains the upper tier of the creek, theology crag will be ahead of you and Lazarus will be immediately to your left. 

Protection

Draws (8x).

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Peter on pitch 2
[Hide Photo] Peter on pitch 2
pitch 2
[Hide Photo] pitch 2
lots of cleaning. three, of four...
[Hide Photo] lots of cleaning. three, of four...
start of P1
[Hide Photo] start of P1

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Spencer McLean
Santa Barbara
 
[Hide Comment] Pitch one provides a unique traverse, and pitch two is simply a blast! Good movement on bulletproof rock up there. Get on it! Jun 21, 2023
[Hide Comment] Gooood! Fun day well worth the hike in for the 10s climber. Aug 20, 2023
Cricket Pihl
San Luis Obispo, CA
[Hide Comment] We tried to find this route today but got a bit lost only to realize the start is located on the opposite side of the creek if you're standing at the base of Theology crag! Hopefully will get out there again to give this a proper go, but felt like it deserved a comment because we were stumped Mar 22, 2026