Suggested Page Improvements to San Sebastian Tutla

[see James B's comment below, there is now apparently a guidebook available.]

NOTE:This description is vague because the information I have about the cliff is vague. If you're expecting SuperTopo-quality descriptions, you're gonna be very disappointed! Think ADVENTURE (only with new stainless bolts)! Also, it should rapidly become clear that I'm in no way local to this crag, and would welcome any local that would like to take over this entry and correct it.

Located in a suburb of Oaxaca City, this is pleasant crag with apparently around 70 routes.  Many of the bolts are non-stainless or with stainless hanger are vice-versa. They are beginning to rust but most appear in decent condition. Rebolting has been progressing on some of the older routes and many of the scary old hangars are gone. 

The rock appears to be something igneous with a lot of pockets and big crystals. The rock is pretty solid: a bit of crumbling here and there on what I saw, which seemed to me appropriate for routes that I think have not seen a lot of traffic.

The cliff faces West-Southwest. When we were there (March) the sun hit the cliff at about 11-1130am and you would not want to climb there after that. You can climb in the Piez Descalos area longer than many of the others because there tends to be more shade there. Most of the belays are shady but the climbing gets really hot during the day. 

Apparently you can get off all the routes with a single 60m rope. The routes are generously bolted. You probably won't need more than 12 to 14 quickdraws for anything at the cliff. 

There is a guidebook for the area, although its out of date and doesn't have all the routes, it does have plenty of them and will definitely get you near where you want to be. Its only 50 pesos and currently the only place to purchase is at Mondragon Gym. The gym is really near to the turnoff for San Sebastian Tutla. There are several other gyms in town, although the currently don't carry the small guidebook. Erikuas gym carries the larger, also out of date, Mexico guidebook. 

There are few easy routes at the crag but Piez Descalzos is where you'll want to go for the easy stuff. After that everything gets steeper and more sustained. There are many 5.10s and several routes into 5.13.

The trail (see Getting There) deposits you at the left end of the cliff. At that point there is a little northwest-facing part of the wall with some routes that are in the 5.10 range. 

Then, to the right of that second alcove is the main bulk of the wall. 

If you are allergic to bee's then you'll want to bring an Epi pen with you. There are lots and lots of bees here and some routes climb next to nests or over them. The large wasps tend to be scary but for the most part will leave you alone. They live in some of the finger pockets, so beware. But the smaller bees tend to congregate in large numbers. Be wary of these, climb far away from them and if you get stung, head to the ground immediately and wait 20-30 minutes before climbing again.