Switchblade Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 9,241 ft |
GPS: |
39.26196, -105.09557 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 7,377 total · 88/month |
Shared By: | Sarah Meiser on May 8, 2017 · Updates |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Access Issue: Raptor Closures
Details
March 1st-July 31st: Devil's Head Rock, Sin City, & Recovery Wall are closed for raptor protection. The vast majority of the other crags are unaffected by the closure. Please visit:
fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/al… for additional information and maps.
fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/al… for additional information and maps.
Description
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
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.
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.
Classic Climbing Routes at Switchblade
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
Sun & Shade
Routes Mostly Face: East · South · West
Sunny Roughly 7am to 7pm
during high season
6am
8pm
Weather Averages
High
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Low
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Precip
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Days w Precip
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Prime Climbing Season
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
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