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Chevelon Canyon

Arizona > Northern Arizona > Winslow- Hwy’s 87 & 9…

Description

Chevelon Canyon is a rugged, ragged, rough and tumble canyon which flows north from Chevelon Canyon Lake before emptying into the Winslow area. This serpentine canyon was named for a famed trapper of the wild west but has been home to over twenty different native tribes over the last 5000 years.... There are over 4000 documented petroglyphs spread out across the length of the canyon, and Rock Art Ranch is famed for being one of the largest concentrations of ancient art in the southwest.

Chevelon Canyon holds several different types of stone, but it is the varnished sandstone in the lower canyon, and the bullet hard limestone in the upper portions which hold the climbing to date. Though there are old school trad pitches on the soaring sandstone walls, any info to these or any more modern endeavors remains elusive. As far as the limestone goes there is miles of it, it is often bullet hard, sharp as hell, and holds often just enough features to produce very high quality, technical routes.

The crag known as Antelope Flats has over 80 sport routes with grades from 5.10 to 5.13+ on just under and over vertical stone. Limited warmups, and the routes are spread out quite a bit. Doing multiple walls in a day takes a toll on the legs as the canyon bottom is sandy. There are a few old hand crafted cattle trails that drop off the rim which are used to access a few of the areas. A perfect place to practice your onsight game and sharpen your sense of exploration. Google Earth- Antelope Flats

Much of the access and rimland is privately owned or Tribal State Checker Lands. Be respectful. Stay on established roads. Do not harass the cattle in any fashion. If you go through a closed gate, close it behind you. Do not disturb ranch property whether modern or historical. Do not disturb native artifacts, and do not deface any pictographs.

Getting There

This canyon runs north from Chevelon Canyon Lake to just south of Winslow. Hwy 99 is your ticket to Chevelon exploration.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

JJ working on the FA of the super classic Whirlwind 5.12- at The Bend, Antelope Flats
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Hard, beautiful open project to the right.
[Hide Photo] JJ working on the FA of the super classic Whirlwind 5.12- at The Bend, Antelope Flats Hard, beautiful open project to the right.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Manny Rangel
PAYSON
[Hide Comment] Looks awesome JJ! Great climbing and a beautiful area; what more do you want? Thanks for your hard work. May 1, 2012
J.McTavish
Flagstaff AZ
[Hide Comment] Looking to explore Chevelon Canyon but the lack of route info is disconcerting. Heard through a local that there used to be a dozen or so routes posted on here but they have since disappeared. Is there an access issue or just one of those "secret" areas? I'm down for adventure just point us in the right direction...looks like south of the Mclaws bridge there are some serious cliff bands, and water... Access from the east on Bell Cow rd looks promising? Dec 17, 2014
Pat Mac
Bishop, CA
[Hide Comment] J.McTavish. There are tons of routes out there. The Flagstaff folks had a lot of info up. Then it was taken down. I have been an AZ local for quite sometime now and I have never been there. I just don't know where to go. Jan 19, 2015
[Hide Comment] I am hoping to visit this area in late May or June. Is this area open for exploration or only guided tours through the Ranch? Any suggestions would be welcome. Jan 9, 2016
DaveF Farkas
Durango, CO
[Hide Comment] I just did a 2-day selfsupport kayak trip down the canyon from approximately 18miles upstream of the climbing area.

Super sick spot with epic climbs. Many bolted routes with bomber bolts and chain anchors (did I say many????) I also noticed two fixed lines as rap stations.

Who ever is responsible for developing this area...Wow!!! Nice job. I'm definitely going back this late spring/early summer. It'll be THE spot for a bit as I explore what's available.

Please pay close attention to the canyon walls as there is rock art everywhere. Do not climbing on these locations. Feb 24, 2016
Chas Robles
Burque, NM
[Hide Comment] I'm looking to take a group of Native youth to this area to do some exploring and climbing. We have been teaching them safe climbing practices, working towards a culmination trip, and this spot looks awesome to take them to! Can anyone send me information about the routes and directions to the area? Also, is camping allowed around the site? Mar 11, 2016
Linsey
Clarkdale, AZ
[Hide Comment] I'm going to go on a recon with my son this weekend to try and check this place out. Excited for the adventure regardless if we are successful in our mission or not but if anyone feels inclined to share any info, would love more Beta. Thanks! Apr 14, 2019