They say they keep their climbing areas underground in Flagstaff. Paradise Forks (aka The Forks) is one of those areas. The climbing is found in the upper end of Sycamore Canyon where the walls of the Y-shaped canyon are lined with tall bullet-hard basalt columns. This yields awesome crack lines between and in the columns and some of the best and hardest cracks in Arizona. For a leading party, the usual procedure is to bring a rap line, rig it to a tree, rap in, climb out.
Routes at Paradise Forks are largely in the upper side of the ratings, with only a couple of 5.8's and a few 5.9s, but lots of 10's on up. Since this is a canyon, toproping the harder lines is also possible if you're not quite up to the lead.
This is a beautiful area, please help to keep it that way!
Many thanks to Larry Coats for providing first ascent information!!!
Getting There
Paradise Forks is just southeast of the town of Williams Arizona, just off Interstate 40. From Flagstaff, drive west until you get to the Garland Prarie Exit, then drive south following the signs for White Horse Lake. There is a sign marking the turnoff for the parking area (think it says "waterfall trail") a couple miles before the lake.
Another classic 5.10, and a good one for those who don't like jamming. I thought the first 15' of crimping with no gear was the crux. Bad landing, so don't fall. After that it's a well protected romp on liebacks and jugs....[more]
As of this week a turkey vulture with egg is nesting at the top of TL Bush. The Northern Arizona Climbers Coalition and the rest other Flag climbers are trying to establish a voluntary closure of the Gold Wall until the egg is hatched. Please pass the word. Again this is voluntary but it sure would be cool if locals as well as those traveling from afar would respect this. Thanks Dean. Any questions feel free to call Vertical Relief at 928 556 9909
Paradise Forks
Printer Friendly View
RSS Feed
