Mountaineer - Arizona Mountaineering Club

McDowell Crags - Fort McDowell
This is a great little crag close in to the new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. Head up the Tom’s
Thumb Trail and at TT#3 take the right onto the Climber Access Route heading southwest. Go
across the wash floor and gradually climb on the minimalist path. Fort McDowell is the first
crag you reach on your left. You can lead the climbs or you can top rope them by continuing
up the path to above the crag and taking a left to come back down into a slot in the top of the
formation. Climbs to the climber’s right are reached by dropping down through a tunnel and
coming out on a ledge with bolted anchors. The left climbs are reached by taking a right over
a boulder to an obvious ledge and anchors. Both sides are protected by bolted anchors fitted as
rap stations. Crag is about 40 feet tall. You can easily use shorter ropes.
The Climber Access Route is on the right side of the route photo. From left to right the climbs
shown are:
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