I'm in Phoenix for a business trip the week of May 11th, and I'll have time to get on the rock down there most of Friday, May 15.
It will be my only day available for climbing, and I will likely have at least one curious coworker with me. Which means I'll be rope gunning the easy stuff for them to have some fun, but that's OK--I love spreading the joy of climbing.
Since I'll be limited in baggage, I probably won't have my trad rack. I'm just looking for sport routes this time.
So here's my primary question: I have less than one full day, probably limited to sport, have a rental car, based out of a downtown hotel, and I need a few good =5.8).
Also, can anyone give some personal experience in grade comparison between the Phoenix area and Devil's Lake (Wisconsin) or Red Rock Canyon (Nevada)? I'm most familiar with those two.
With only one day on the 15th of May, I'd say hit the gym. It may be unbearably hot or it may be fine in the shade. In your grade I'd recommend Atlantis in Queen Creek. It is a shady canyon an hour or so from downtown. A few other areas have shade but lack 5.8 sport.
Isolation Canyon is quartzite, like Devils Lake and it is a 1.25 hr drive north of Phx with some sport in your range. It is also a hot long walk to the wall, about 45 min.
Mt. Lemmon is a 1.5 hr drive south and has plenty in your range. Plus it is perfect then.
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