Best Places to Rock Climb in Arizona
Arizona is a paradise for rock climbers due to its stunning rock formations and year-round great weather that allows climbers to venture out.
Arizona boasts some of the top rock climbing destinations, such as Sedona, Mount Lemmon and Cochise Stronghold. Each area provides a diverse selection of rock formations and types of climbs – something for everyone!
Sedona
Sedona, Arizona is renowned for its stunning red rock formations. The sandstone peaks glow with an unusual dark “Sedona Red” hue due to iron oxide corrosion.
About 280 million years ago, when Earth’s continents began to form the supercontinent Pangaea, this region was formed. Rivers flowing down from the Appalachian Mountains brought sandy sediment down to wide floodplains in western North America, leading to the formation of coastal dunes.
Millions of visitors flock to Sedona each year to take in its stunning landscape that has long captivated both travelers and locals alike. Yet few realize that this breathtaking terrain was formed through some truly remarkable, long-forgotten geologic events.
Oak Creek Canyon
If you’re searching for some outdoor adventure and stunning natural features, Oak Creek Canyon is your best bet. Boasting an impressive range of rock formations and climbing options, Oak Creek has something to please everyone’s tastes.
In addition to its many crags, the canyon also provides hiking trails for those who want to explore. You can enjoy a picnic and take in the breathtaking views of oaks and red rocks on your drive through.
Climbers in Oak Creek Canyon are privy to an incredible snapshot of geological history. Seven distinct rock layers provide a vivid portrait of millions of years, with diagonal layers or cross-beds, remnants of ancient dunes (ripples).
Queen Creek Canyon
Queen Creek Canyon, an hour east of Phoenix, is a sought-after climbing destination. It features towering spires of rock and endless fields of boulders that provide ample challenges for climbers.
The canyon offers a diverse range of climbs, from sport climbing to trad climbing and multipitch routes. Plus, its refreshing waterfall makes it the ideal place for visitors on hot summer days.
In the area, there are a range of climbing gyms. Examples include AZ on the Rocks in Gilbert and Alta Climbing in Phoenix. These establishments provide classes for both kids and adults alike as well as team-building exercises, leagues, competitions, and more.
Jack’s Canyon
The canyon is filled with stunning rock formations that are as diverse as they are beautiful. They include spires and boulders suitable for top-rope, sport or bouldering activities.
The hike begins by passing through a residential area and then enters an expansive red-rock gorge. As it narrows, trees begin to appear along its length.
Jacks Canyon, located only ten minutes away from Sedona by foot, offers 300 routes for experienced rock climbers of all levels (5.0 to 5.12). Most are accessible via an accessible ten-minute trail.
The Homestead
The Homestead offers 250-plus climbs on 12 limestone walls up to 115 feet high in a picturesque high desert backcountry only two hours from Phoenix and Tucson. Its crown-jewel tufa wall, Tufa City, boasts one of the top 5.11 sport routes in America.
The canyon boasts a diverse landscape, featuring desert scrub, semi-desert grasslands and chaparral. It serves as home to bighorn sheep, Gila monsters, desert tortoises and bears alike.
Climbers have made extensive improvements to the area in recent years, such as creating a parking/camping area and new approach trail. Unfortunately, the access road has suffered severe erosion and requires additional repairs.
