The Pit (aka Le Petit Verdon) Rock Climbing
Elevation: | 6,704 ft |
GPS: |
35.12919, -111.59727 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 585,825 total · 2,649/month |
Shared By: | Josh Janes on Jan 19, 2006 · Updates |
Admins: | Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen |
Description
The Pit, once known as Le Petit Verdon, with its pocketed white Kaibab limestone, was Arizona's first foray into the realm of sport climbing in the mid to late 1980's. Today, it's northern Arizona's prime sport area. Well, if by prime one means most convenient for Flagstaff locals.
It's a popular area that offers average quality climbing on average quality limestone, but is nice for an afternoon workout and certainly beats the gym. The area is pleasant and climbable year-round. Routes are well bolted, generally short, and distinctively pocketed and edgy in style.
"Eagles, falcons, hawks, and migratory birds build nests in shallow depressions on ledges, cliffs and rock walls, often returning to the same site year after year. The Forest Service and Northern AZ Climbers Coalition request that climbers avoid certain routes during critical nesting periods (typically March through early August).
In 2024, Nose Rock, Shooting Gallery, Bedrock, Pulse Roof, and "Shock Treatment" route on White Wall are all closed for Mexican Spotted Owl nesting from March 1st until August 31st, unless lifted sooner. Signage will be placed at the crag to indicate the closure area - please do not cross those barriers or use trails passing by any of these walls. Additionally, selected routes "Total Recall," "Fruit Bowl," and "No Joke" will be closed for nesting Peregrine Falcons from April 1st until August 31st, unless lifted sooner.
The USFS will be frequently monitoring the Mexican Spotted Owls and Peregrine Falcons so that they can open areas as soon as possible. Successful partnership with the Forest Service biologists has allowed for closure of select routes and walls, instead of the entire crag, and we ask that climbers adhere to these closures. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to report a bird sighting, please reach out to the Northern Arizona Climbers Coalition at nazcc@nazcc.org or the US Forest Service @ 928-526-0866 and ask to speak with a biologist."
Getting There
Drive south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road. The new Pit and Sandys Canyon Trail head is located just west on Lake Mary Rd. from the old parking area at Canyon Vista Campground. When driving out Lake Mary Rd. look for the dirt road just after the Hecketthorn neighborhood. DO NOT PARK AT THE CANYON VISTA CAMPGROUND.
Classic Climbing Routes at The Pit (aka Le Petit Verdon)
Weather Averages
High
|
Low
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
All Photos Within The Pit (aka Le Petit Verdon)
Most Popular · Newest · RandomMore About The Pit (aka Le Petit Verdon)
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
Guidebooks (9)
7 Comments