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Elevation: 6,834 ft
GPS: 35.0816, -111.5995
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 374,983 total · 2,380/month
Shared By: Colin Cox on Apr 9, 2011
Admins: Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen

Description Suggest change

The broad, shallow, and grassy limestone canyons that make up these areas are the true definition of idyllic on a perfect day. The limestone here is some of the best in the states, and features naturally smooth pockets on slabby terrain to dead horizontal sheets. It is these impossibly cantilevered roofs, and the plethora of perfect pockets, slopers, and pinches that have made Priest Draw a household name in the world wide bouldering community.

The area known simply as Priest Draw, is actually several distinct draws and areas:

Priest Draw is the better known with timeless classics such as Anorexic, Floor Pie, Carnivore, The Receptionist and many, many more.

Kerry sending The Receptionist

Howard Draw is a gentle version of it's more popular neighbor. While this area doesn't boast double digit grades, it does offer up a little more solitude, and classics such as Bad Ass Roof, and The Gomez Traverse.

Super Roof Area is part of Priest Draw, though the shortest access is through Mountainaire. Super Roof itself is a timeless moderate roof filled with awesome holds.

Robert Drysdale spotting Dave Gershwin on the FA of Down With The Bass in 1991/1992.

These areas were first discovered and developed by the late Robert Drysdale, Ron Dawson, Dave Gershwin, and friends back in the very early 90's. It was a pretty good day when they first decided to set brush to stone out there. Since their time, dozens and dozens of test pieces have arisen.

Getting There Suggest change

From Flagstaff, find your way to Lake Mary Road to the south of town. Drive southeast to road 132 on the south (right) side of the highway. This road is just a bit before the Lake Mary store, and is also a popular place for road bikers to park and gather.

Follow 132 for several miles passing homes and windy road. Just after the last gathering of houses, where the road makes a distinct left jog, continue straight ahead on bumpy road to the parking and camping areas. The main trail is obvious.

186 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Priest Draw Area

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V3+ 6A+
 271
The Bat Cave
Boulder
V4 6B
 50
Bat Roof Direct
Boulder
V5 6C
 106
Bad Ass
Boulder
V5 6C
 30
Super Roof
Boulder
V6 7A
 132
Anorexic Sacrifice
Boulder
V6 7A
 52
Twister
Boulder
V6+ 7A
 40
Floor Pie
Boulder
V7 7A+
 66
Move N' Groove Barbie
Boulder
V8 7B
 40
Carnivore
Boulder
V8 7B
 24
R God is Neither
Boulder
V9 7C
 35
Carnivore Direct
Boulder
V9-10 7C+
 28
Cosmic Tricycle
Boulder
V10 7C+
 33
The Receptionist
Boulder
V10+ 7C+
 10
Lolita
Boulder
V11 8A
 11
The Girl from Ipanema
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
The Bat Cave Priest Draw > Bat Roof
 271
V3+ 6A+ Boulder
Bat Roof Direct Priest Draw > Bat Roof
 50
V4 6B Boulder
Bad Ass Howard Draw > Bad Ass Roof
 106
V5 6C Boulder
Super Roof Super Roof Area, Moun…
 30
V5 6C Boulder
Anorexic Sacrifice Priest Draw > Anorexic Roof
 132
V6 7A Boulder
Twister Priest Draw > Floor Pie Roof / Flyi…
 52
V6 7A Boulder
Floor Pie Priest Draw > Floor Pie Roof / Flyi…
 40
V6+ 7A Boulder
Move N' Groove Barbie Priest Draw > Monster Roof
 66
V7 7A+ Boulder
Carnivore Priest Draw > Anorexic Roof
 40
V8 7B Boulder
R God is Neither Priest Draw > Puzzle Box
 24
V8 7B Boulder
Carnivore Direct Priest Draw > Anorexic Roof
 35
V9 7C Boulder
Cosmic Tricycle Priest Draw > Puzzle Box
 28
V9-10 7C+ Boulder
The Receptionist Priest Draw > Mars Roof
 33
V10 7C+ Boulder
Lolita Priest Draw > Mars Roof
 10
V10+ 7C+ Boulder
The Girl from Ipanema Priest Draw > Mars Roof
 11
V11 8A Boulder
More Classic Climbs in Priest Draw Area »

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