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Elevation: 9,241 ft
GPS: 39.26196, -105.09557
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Shared By: Sarah Meiser on May 8, 2017 · Updates
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: Raptor Closures DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Switchblade is one of a group of crags that make up Sawblade Ridge. It’s home to a dozen or so quality climbs in the 5.10 - 5.13 range and gets good afternoon sun.

Getting There Suggest change

Access is via the main Fire Tower Lookout Trail. Follow the trail past the first major switchback (over the bridge), and continue for another quarter mile. Look for a minor trail breaking off left at a switchback where the main trail takes a turn to the south. It is fairly obvious if you’re paying attention. This is approximately 0.4 miles from the parking lot.

The climber's trail continues east with some minor ups and downs but never gains or loses much elevation. It’s fairly easy to follow and is marked with numerous cairns. After half a mile or so, you’ll come to a cairned trail junction. This junction is also obvious if you’re looking for it. Take the right fork, and follow the well-marked trail uphill and then through an interesting passageway formed by some large boulders. When you emerge on the other side, you’ll see the bolts on Passageway Wall. From the left end of Passageway Wall, scramble down and then right for a minute or two, and you’ll arrive at Switchblade.

7 Total Climbs

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Location: Switchblade Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Switchblade

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 7
Rather Fight Than Switch
Sport 2 pitches
5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 12
Fintastic
Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 5
Six Blade Knife
Sport
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 5
Cutting Out
Sport
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c
 8
Blade Runner
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Rather Fight Than Switch
 7
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport 2 pitches
Fintastic
 12
5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
Six Blade Knife
 5
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
Cutting Out
 5
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport
Blade Runner
 8
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c Sport
More Classic Climbs in Switchblade »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Routes Mostly Face: East · South · West
Sunny Roughly 7am to 7pm during high season
6am
8pm
Details: The crag faces due West, South and East on its respective faces. The sun switches sides of the crag in the 12 to 2 time frame. No trees in the belay areas of the east and west faces, bring protection.

Weather Averages

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Prime Climbing Season
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