Climbing restricted due to tourist safety MORE INFO >>>
ACCESS NOTE: Please note that the forest service has restricted climbing for any routes past the area of Red Wagon (just left of the Trinity Cracks) due to tourist safety. Local access groups are working to get this restriction lifted.
Carina Eady-Toledo leading the unnamed route, 5.9,...
Description
The Overlook is pretty much just that, as it overlooks everything from the top of Oak Creek Canyon. Long basalt columns encircle the top of this area, and the result is a plethora of moderate climbs. The normal procedure is to rig a separate rap line from a solid tree on the rim, rap in, then climb back out. Area classics include Angel's Delight (5.7), Morning's Mourning (5.8), Isaiah (5.9) and the Trinity Cracks (5.10), but most all of the routes are enjoyable to some degree. The Overlook is basically a kinder, more gentle version of Paradise Forks.
ACCESS NOTE: Please note that the forest service has restricted climbing for any routes past the area of Red Wagon (just left of the Trinity Cracks) due to tourist safety. Local access groups are working to get this restriction lifted.
Getting There
The Overlook can be reached either by driving south from Flagstaff on highway 89A or up Oak Creek Canyon (also 89A). At the top of the canyon, there is a blue sign that says "Scenic Overlook" or similar. Pull in here and park. Then hike about three minutes through the woods to the south/southeast to reach the cliff edge.
Orange Out is one of those Overlook grad climb type deals at the 5.9 grade. From the base, climb up jugs to gain a nice corner with moderate moves, always headed toward the big overhang above. At the top of the moderate corner, a burly overhanging jamcrack (crux) puts you in a cool (and unbelievably moderate as it turns out) overhanging chimney that takes you to the top. Classic!Note: A 5.8 variation to this route can be done, by exiting out to t...[more]
By Ladd Raine Administrator From: Plymouth, NH May 1, 2007
I have only climbed here one day, however, on that day I had three separate encounters with tarantulas on three different routes, each time I was on lead. Creeps me out, give me NH black flies or WV snakes anyday.
Along with tarantulas and wasps, I have encountered bats in the cracks at the Overlook. In October of last year, I jammed my fingers in a crack on Isaiah and encountered a bat. There were several bats in the cracks that day. It freaked me out.
By Ladd Raine Administrator From: Plymouth, NH Aug 22, 2007
The Overlook
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