Climbing in Arizona

Arizona, a state as varied in it's climbing as it is in terrain. Seems obvious right? Arizona offers everything from overhung sport climbing on quality limestone, long traditional routes on granite and sandstone, and scary new aid routes in the backcountry. Bouldering abounds in almost every nook and cranny of the state and all of the developed climbing seems to barely scratch the surface of what's out here.

Jack's Canyon - 30 miles south of Winslow, lies a limestone canyon riddled with bolts for sport climbing. Most routes are about 30-40ft, and very well bolted. Considered by most to be an outdoor gym of sorts, routes about from 5.6 - 5.13b. There is free camping at the top of the canyon

Le Petit Verdon (The Pit) - Located just minutes south of Flagstaff, the Pit offers limestone sport routes at solid grades. Routes range from 40ft - 70ft. The cliff band goes on forever and it's as much fun to explore there as it is to climb. Camping at the Pit is $10 a night as the access if right off of a developed campground. Day access is free.

Paradise Forks - Probably the toughest pure crack climbing in the state. Long stiff single pitch traditional climbs on pure basalt are sure to make all but the most efficient climber question their technique. Unlike other crack climbing around the state, the Forks often require finger, hand or fist jamming and good foot jamming technique, since there is little friction on the face. All climbs are top-ropeable from stout trees on the topside of the canyon. Perhaps two routes in the entire canyon have a bolt or two.

Sedona area - Currently a new age crystal mecca, the sandstone cliffs are reported to be ancient alien spaceships diguised as rocks. Whatever the case at least these aliens were kind enough to put in great crack systems and limestone bands making it awesome to climb in such a gorgeous land. Most of the people who climb here go away thinking the place was pretty scary, the sandstone still holds gear, but it is softer than Red Rocks and Indian Creek. Most every climb has one pitch of sanstone that leads to a limestone band about 2-3ft thick. Some climbs traverse this band to continue, most others use this as a belay ledge. The most traveled routes such as the Mace, Dr. Rubo's, Streaker Spire have bomber bolted belays. Other routes are relatively new and the grade may not be pinned down. Keep this in mind.
Every climb here is an adventure.

No photographs may be downloaded from this site without permission from the webmaster . No information is all inclusive; factors such as weather, physical and mental ability, gear, and unforseen events can make or break the trip. Die in the Desert nor Canyon Trek are responsible for accuracy of information provided herein as this website is a guide, not sole instruction for any particular activity. Seek instruction before starting any activity listed on this site, either through Canyon Trek Guides or another well qualified source.

The Mace - 5.9+, 5 pitches of fun, or as written in the register on the summit "Like wrestling a greased pig in a sandpaper suit." This is a Sedona classic, and will work your chimney skills. Bring gear to a #5 Camalot for the second pitch offwidth. The belays are bolted well and the airy fifth pitch is fantastic. Make sure to do this before you pass on.

Pitches 5 and 6 - 5.9, and truly amazing. P5 is a perfect dihedral that accepts gear like velcro and P6 is long, sustained hand crack with face holds and is just past verticle to stir things up.