Tortuga Tower
5.11a sport · 70 ft · 7 bolts · ★★★☆
Route 3 of 4 from left to right on Tortuga Tower, with Turtle Track on its left and Holy Chelonians on its right. Tortuga Tower has 4 routes, from 5.10d to 5.11a; this is the hardest.
First ascent: Jay Foley et al. - 2015
Description
The right line up the pillar and immediately right of Turtle Track. Gently overhanging climbing with some big moves to a final tough move leading left, then slightly easier vertical climbing.
Protection
7 bolts to lower-off.
Access
The 13-mile Scenic Drive requires a timed-entry reservation October to May and has seasonal gate hours. Calico Basin and Kraft Mountain sit outside the Scenic Drive and need no reservation.
Wet rock: Aztec sandstone loses much of its strength when wet. Do not climb for at least 24 to 48 hours after rain or snowmelt, or holds break off and routes are permanently damaged.
More routes on Tortuga Tower
- Holy Chelonians 5.10d
- Turtle Track 5.10d
- Shell Game 5.11