Best Rock Climbing in Arizona

Trying to find the best rock climbing in Arizona? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Arizona, Coconino County

00 :13 hrs
0.3 mi
40.02832 ft
Unknown

Bell Rock is an interesting formation situated just east of Highway 179, featuring a gully scramble and many variations to the summit. You will need a Red Rock Pass in order to park here. It can be purchased at the Red Rock Ranger District in Sedona, or at a major trail-head.

2

Arizona, Gila County

01 :06 hrs
1.5 mi
239.13538 ft
Unknown

The Superstition Mountains are located east of Phoenix off Highway 88. It's a very unique range that features pointed volcanic peaks, pinnacles, mesas, and plenty of cacti. The Hand stands at about 150 feet, and it's on the left side of the Northwest Pinnacles. Most of the routes here are traditional, and keep in mind that it's illegal to place bolts in the Superstition Wilderness. There is a day use fee that can be purchased at the Ranger Station. Camping is also available in the area with facilities that include shelters, toilets, and showers.

3

Arizona, Coconino County

00 :45 hrs
0.4 mi
268.28638 ft
Various

Oak Creek Canyon features some beautiful routes on cliffs that rise above Oak Creek and Highway 89A. The Waterfall Area features basalt cliffs, which are located on the east side of the highway and across from Encinoso Park. Expect a steep hike up the gully wash and be cautious of water during spring runoff. The Fall Area is located immediately right of the waterfall and on the right end of the main amphitheater. You will need a Red Rock Pass when parking in the canyon. It can be purchased at the Red Rock Ranger District in Sedona, or at a major trail-head.

4

Arizona, Cochise County

01 :04 hrs
0.8 mi
328.1217 ft
Various

The Rockfellow Domes are situated high on top of the ridge-line and just south of the Waterfall Dome. This group consists of pinnacles, large domes, towers, and good quality crack/face routes. Expect to spend most of the day-time to accomplish the routes here.

5

Arizona, Yavapai County

01 :44 hrs
2.4 mi
309.5746 ft
Various

Granite Mountain is an amazing granitic cliff located in the hills on the northern flank of the Bradshaw Mountains. It's an ultimate multi-pitch traditional crag with quite a few crack and face routes. The Front Porch Area is located between the Right Section and the Middle Section, featuring a dihedral system. To get there, take Iron Springs Road west out of Prescott and turn right onto Granite Basin Road. Eventually you'll come to the Granite Basin Recreation Area, where you can park and access Trail 261. There is a low cost user fee required for parking here. Keep in mind, that the cliff is closed for peregrine falcon nesting each year from February through July. Also, bring a standard rack of gear with large cams and an extra rope.

6

Arizona, Pinal County

00 :08 hrs
0.3 mi
32.72278 ft
Various

Upper Devils Canyon is situated just east of Oak Flat Campground and there's a creek that flows through it during the spring months. Most of the good quality routes and walls are on the western side of the canyon, so you have to hike down the steep terrain first in order to see what you are dealing with. The Pancake House is a shady corridor with an alcove, offering routes within and on the outside. It's amazing to climb up through the holes and then rappel on the outside.

7

Arizona, Coconino County

00 :10 hrs
0.4 mi
33.06897 ft
Various

Paradise Forks is an amazing columnar basalt climbing area located off Forest Service Road 109. The area is in the middle of the largest ponderosa pine forest in the United States, and it's also on the edge of the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. It's a short hike to get there, and most of the routes can be approached from above by top-rope. Davidson Wall offers some good quality crack routes, and it is located just down the canyon from Silver Pond, between Raindance Buttress and Sine Wall. It's best to rappel in at the gully on the north end of the wall. Expect a very peaceful place with mostly trad climbs. Bring a set of nuts and a couple sets of cams that range from .4 - 3.5''. Slider nuts, tri-cams and extra ropes are helpful as well. Also, power-drills are not allowed.

8

Arizona, Coconino County

00 :05 hrs
0.2 mi
38.07617 ft
Various

Paradise Forks is an amazing columnar basalt climbing area located off Forest Service Road 109. The area is in the middle of the largest ponderosa pine forest in the United States, and it's also on the edge of the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. It's a short hike to get there, and most of the routes can be approached from above by top-rope. The Prow is located at the pointed edge of the canyon rim, which forms the Forks. There are plenty of good quality, long routes that keep climbers busy here. Expect a very peaceful place with mostly trad climbs. Bring a set of nuts and a couple sets of cams that range from .4 - 3.5''. Slider nuts, tri-cams and extra ropes are helpful as well. Also, power-drills are not allowed.

9

Arizona, Yavapai County

01 :48 hrs
2.5 mi
335.13025 ft
Various

Granite Mountain is an amazing granitic cliff located in the hills on the northern flank of the Bradshaw Mountains. It's an ultimate multi-pitch traditional crag with quite a few crack and face routes. The Right Section has a large right-facing dihedral and a steep, slabby wall. To get there, take Iron Springs Road west out of Prescott and turn right onto Granite Basin Road. Eventually you'll come to the Granite Basin Recreation Area, where you can park and access Trail 261. There is a low cost user fee required for parking here. Keep in mind, that the cliff is closed for peregrine falcon nesting each year from February through July. Also, bring a standard rack of gear with large cams and an extra rope.

10

Arizona, Flagstaff

00 :17 hrs
0.6 mi
33.928955 ft
Various

The Pit is located off Lake Mary Road just minutes away from downtown Flagstaff. The limestone cliffs are situated in the lower Walnut Canyon within the Coconino National Forest. There are over 100 routes offered here, with many of them well bolted, generally short, pocketed and edgy. Swiss Tower is a somewhat of a detached pillar block with routes on the southeast and southwest faces. There are also some lowering anchors at the tower. Camping is available at the Canyon Vista Campground, which is where you'll hike through.

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