chossclimbers

Go back to Baja California Sur.

We reached Loreto in the late afternoon with enough time to pick up our car, check into our hotel and walk to the city square for a beer with James. He provided us with further details on how to reach the routes of interest (they’re on private land and so climbers should tread very gently) and we chatted about climbing in Mexico and especially on Baja. Despite its mountainous topography, it seems that most of the rock is choss; mostly of the conglomerate flavor with some variations of basalt thrown in. Nevertheless, James and partners are actively looking for patches of rock solid enough to bolt. We enjoyed the company and appreciated the detailed input.

Next day, we drove out of town in the morning and, after a 45 minute hike up an arroyo, found ourselves at the base of the area classic called Lolita; a fully bolted, 6-pitch 5.8+ on a proud arete of a basalt pyramid. The climbing was good and the position offered views of a desert valley stretching out to the blue of the Sea of Cortez in the distance. We were back in town in the afternoon and did our best to try to enjoy the nice pool at the hotel (hot in the valley where we were climbing but quite windy in town next to the sea).

Photos

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Go back to Baja California Sur.