Ryan and I have been climbing in the Southern Arizona area, and have been to the Cochise Stronghold area a couple times. We like that area, but it is a two hour drive from our home in the Catalina foothills and makes for a pretty long day. We decided to head over to Mount Lemmon, in the Coronado National Forest, which is only 40 minutes away.
The day was perfect for climbing with the temperature at 73F and no wind. And, since it was a weekday, we would not have too many other climbers to contend with on the wall.
There are many crags here, mostly single pitch climbing, all well bolted with “lower offs” in place.
We chose the “wall of the flying scorpions” because it had several routes, some low enough for me, and most harder, for Ryan to climb.
This is the view from the parking area and our routes are on the far right rock wall.
We had a bit of a hike to get through the gully and over to the crag. One thing I have learned about hiking in the desert is that the cactus are not the worst offenders. I used to believe that the cacti, with their sharp spines, were the only foliage to be avoided. But the cactus are not the biggest problem! The brush and bushes, none of which are the iconic saguaro variety, are the real danger. Look at the spikes on this bush!
This, and the many large aloe vera plants with their razor sharp leaves, are the real obstacles along the path.
We made our way to the other side of the valley and found the wall.
These are the easier routes, so just a warm up for Ryan! I made it up this first, 5.8 just fine.
But, 1/3 of the way up the second wall (5.9) I had a little problem.
Turns out this rock was a little sharper than I had hoped. As I pulled up on a finger tip hold, I sliced my index finger. It wasn’t too bad, but the blood made the rest of the route a little slippery and I then took a larger piece of my thumb off.
That was ok because these were the only two routes I was going to attempt on this wall anyway. So I finished off the climb and we moved down the wall to Ryan’s routes, 5.10b, 5.10b/c and a 5.11-.
Ryan’s routes were longer and obviously harder. At this point I was just belaying him and taking some shots from the base of the wall. A pretty view!

The view from the base of the wall, looking back on the road leading up Mount Lemmon

Ryan’s favorite climbing shirt. Last year’s Christmas gift from his sister.
We were not alone at the crag, a few other duos were there working the wall as well. We caught a glimpse of them as we drove away.
Zooming in on the wall, you can see one of their back packs (circled) where the belayer is standing and the arrow indicates the climber on his way up.
This must have been how Ryan and I appeared from the other side of the highway.
There are so many other crags to explore on Mount Lemmon and we will be heading back to check them out!
Lordie that’s high! What do the numbers mean (5.10b)? Sorry if it’s a really dumb question!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Oh, it is the rating system for the routes. 5.10a is easier than 5.10b and so on
LikeLike
Wow! That is some climb!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow. Stunning pictures. Hope your hands heal quickly. And that was one scary bush!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks! I don’t know if they are completely healed but we are going climbing tomorrow 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rock-face climbers have all of my respect. Stay safe, no matter your route.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, and I will do my best 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t you wear gloves?
LikeLiked by 2 people
No, we need our fingertips for the small holds called crimps. I would not have been able to feel for those through the gloves 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see. Somehow I thought there are thin, yet sturdy gloves for such escapades.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most gloves just get ripped to shreds anyway. There are gloves for ice climbing, but you use tools instead of direct finger contact with the rock surface-not my thing! My son ice climbs 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess I learned something new, then. No gloves for mountain climbing. Ah yes, I know what you are talking about with the ice climbing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My son tells me that some new rock climbers will try gloves but leave them behind pretty quickly when they realize that they inhibit certain holds on the rock. So, they exist somewhere 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So I’m not insane! Great news for the new year! Hahah. Happy New Year, btw!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, you are quite sane!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As far as you know… 😉
Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, good point!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I wish I had the guts or physical fitness to do that! Those thorns look fierce. Hope you heal up soon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are too kind, anyone can climb! You just need to start and work your way up to whatever level you feel comfortable with 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful pics…scary pic! More beautiful pics! You are so adventurous!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Funny, i don’t really think of myself that way 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, but you are! In more ways than one, I might add!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are too kind! Happy New Years to you and your family Linda! Thanks for all your support this year, 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year to you and yours! Thanks for all the fun you’ve given me this year. It’s all about the fun! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know how you do it!! 😬😬😬 Wonder Woman!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not at all, I am a very low level climber!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos…I am so glad your having a great time climbing along with yours son….Keep having fun.
LikeLiked by 2 people
enjoyed this post…graduated from the University of Arizona in the 1970’s so have memories of Mt. Lemmon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am lucky to live so close by to such a great resource 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Breathtaking pics ✌✌
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLike
I don’t know how you both do it. That’s a huge climb! Ha. The photos are awesome.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, you are too kind. Anyone can climb! And, thank you about the photos 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Low level climber, you say? OMG I was dizzy just looking at your pictures. Great pics BTW.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha, thank you! Happy New Year to you and your family 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The photos are spectacular! Amazing climb! Happy New Year to you and your family!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, so much, for your time and friendship this past year 🙂
LikeLike
Wow, you guys are brave!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha, no not so brave, this is just something we enjoy doing! Happy New Year to you and your family 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And to you and yours. Safe climbing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those photos are gorgeous and I love your son’s shirt! My oldest’s nickname is Bigfoot. His friends starting calling him that years ago because he stands so much taller than most. Now, it’s even more appropriate given his size 16 shoe. lol.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha! my son wants bigfoot to be real so badly! He loves that shirt, even if it is not appropriate for many situations 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely amazing. I am in awe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are too kind 🙂
LikeLike