Central Arizona  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  33.4314, -112.0715 Map Page Views:  640,805. Good page? (5 likes)    Administrators:  Greg Opland, James DeRoussel, JJ Schlick, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  RyanJames on Jan 23, 2012 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 100° | 73° 104° | 73° 100° | 73° 100° | 72° 100° | 72°

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The Central Arizona Areas 

Central Arizona is a rugged, barren, arid, and inhospitable landscape. When most people think of central Arizona, they think of the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix and the emblematic Saguaro. People also think of the searing temperatures, piss-warm backyard pools, and the heinous back sweat of every insignificant car ride. Nevertheless, hidden away are back country gems - lush, water-filled canyons, shady forests, and hundreds of miles of pristine, bountiful cliff lines. To the intrepid adventurer: There is no lack of opportunity here.

The Central Arizona area encompasses the low desert of Arizona, which heats up like an oven during the summer, and several national forests – Prescott, Tonto, and Apache – whose cliff faces are climbable on even the most sweltering summer days. Within this central portion of the state, there are three main hotspots: the Prescott area, the Payson area, and the Phoenix area, each with its own distinct flavor.

The Prescott areas include the picturesque lakeside cliffs of Watson Dells Lake and the historic and towering granite cliffs of Granite Mountain. If smaller rocks strike your fancy, then thousands of erratically strewn granite boulders litter the forests and hills, awaiting your enjoyment. Climbing in and around Prescott is possible almost year round.

The Payson area also offers its share of quality climbs. Isolation Canyon hosts an incredible concentration of worthwhile classics, while the canyons – Wet Beaver Creek , West Clear Creek, East Verde, and the Anchas – are otherworldly oases that provide a perfect breather from the summertime roast of the Phoenix Valley.

And lastly there is the Phoenix area. There are several crags within city limits. Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell Mountains are great winter traditional climbing destinations that make for highly enjoyable day trips. East of the city are the Superstition Mountains, the contested Queen Creek Canyon, and an indescribable amount of other backcountry diamonds. Enduring classics hide in these mountains and offer all the finger-shredding fun you could want. Many of these areas are also climbable most days of the year. While central Arizona is not a world-class climbing destination, world-class climbs are abundant, making central Arizona the perfect prospect for those seeking to stake their vertical claim. Come get yours!

Getting There 

Most of the central Arizona areas are within a two and half hour radius of Phoenix. Standard cars can access many areas, but many require full-blown four-wheel drive, high clearance, and a willingness to succumb to “the Arizona pinstripe.”

The Classics

Featured Route For Central Arizona

Waterstreak Delight 5.10b  AZ : Central Arizona : ... : Middle Section

Fun two pitch route that goes straight up some of the most beautiful rock at Granite Mountain. This route involves fun face climbing on crimps and edges with a short crack that finishes under the Great Roof. The first pitch is 5.9 and the second pitch is the crux at 5.10b. Many finish to the top of the wall via Candyland....[more]   Browse More Classics in AZ

Photos of Central Arizona Slideshow

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Exploring new areas is one good reason to climb in...	Climbing the Hand, Dec 2012