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Seward Highway

Alaska > Anchorage & S Central…

Description

This area holds the majority of the rock climbing close to Anchorage. Much of the rock is road cuts along the Seward Highway, although there is plenty located off the road on natural formations. This area is known for its loose rock and generally chossy nature, although the crags hold many hidden gems. Wearing a helmet is a must! Routes range in difficulty from easy 5.5 trad at Bermuda Triangle to hard 5.14a test pieces like "Howl of the Damned," at Shriek of the Mutilated. Seward Highway even hosts climbs established by the legendary Mugs Stump.


Despite the noise of the highway, It is a great place to go to after work or just for a few hours. You can see the famous bore tide, whales, sheep, bears and eagles all along the road and get some climbing in!


There have been a series of guidebooks published about the climbing on the Seward Highway, notably "The Scar" brought the highway to the masses. Currently the more extensive "Alaska Rock Climbing Guide" by Kelsey Gray has become the book of choice. Unfortunately, Seward Highway has the distinction of being voted by Climbing Magazine as one of the five worst climbing areas in America. 


As of the last few years a rebolting initiative has been taking place, but not all routes have seen work, use caution while climbing.

Getting There

Head south out of Anchorage, once you hit the Weigh Station reset your odometer.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

A young John Giraldo topping out Classic Crack
[Hide Photo] A young John Giraldo topping out Classic Crack
Mike Collette jugging
[Hide Photo] Mike Collette jugging
David Miller, Steve Garvey and friends on Roadside Acracktion in the 80's
[Hide Photo] David Miller, Steve Garvey and friends on Roadside Acracktion in the 80's

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Ty Morrison-Heath
Bozeman, MT
[Hide Comment] WEAR A HELMET.

Loose rock is the norm. I'm excited when a hold DOESN'T break during a climb. May 15, 2011
[Hide Comment] Trundling Monkeys Foot vimeo.com/43881692 from Kelsey T. Gray vimeo.com/user5788224 on Vimeo vimeo.com.

A little video to give you a taste of the rock. I just can't believe it was an established route. Feb 13, 2013
[Hide Comment] That was great! Makes me glad I climb in Fairbanks. Apr 17, 2014