Nuria on THE warm-up classic of the Pit, Popeye Me...
Description
The Pit, and it's pocketed white limestone was Arizona's first foray into the realm of sport climbing in the mid-late 1980's. Today, it's northern Arizona's prime sport area. Located about a ten minute drive from Flagstaff, it's popular with locals as well as climbers from other parts of the state. Routes are well bolted and go from slab to overhung, mostly pocketed, but some edgy route as well.
Getting There
The Pit is reached by driving south out of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road. About six miles out, turn into the Canyon Vista Campground. Drive through the campground to a trailhead lot at the far end. The cliffs of The Pit can be seen to the north. Follow the trail, breaking right to go down the hill to the area.
I second that, Ladd. The Pit is excellent all through the winter as long as the sun's out, all the south-facing cliffs really bake. I've had some sweltering, shirts-off days at Mall Wall and Way Gone when it was under 40 degrees in town.
Just a note to those heading out to the Pit. While the monsoons may be letting up be aware that there has been some very significant rockfall from above the routes and rocks breaking on the routes themselves. Main areas seem to be above the oven and over by the sun tower. I would never advocate not taking your dogs or children climbing, but would advise keeping an eye on them around the base of the cliff. A week or so ago a friends dog was hit with a block weighing about 30lbs. He's okay, after a drain tube and some stitches in his head, but if it had been one of the 2 or 3 kids running around at the base of the cliff, or even one of us larger folks we would at least be a vegetable if not worm food. Luckilly he's a full grown Newfoundland with a head like a cinderblock. Anyhow, keep an eye out when you're climbing. Good luck and pull hard.
Le Petit Verdon (aka The Pit)
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