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Santa Maria's & Surrounding Ranges

Arizona > Central Arizona

Description

Located in northern section of the Prescott National Forest is a diverse geological area. From peaks made of solid quartz, granite boulders and spires, deep ravines and canyons to basalt buttes. This area seems ripe with possible new remote climbing areas. If nothing else, one should check out this diverse geological area for it's rich beautiful sites.

One feature that stands out is BT Butte. It cannot be seen from the main road (FR 21/C68) as it is lower in the valley hidden behind mesas. To the east of BT Butte one can see granite spires. To the North a boulder field with an unusually round highball I've nicknamed "The Egg". More north is a ridge line made entirely of quartz that might have some possible lines.

Getting There

From Prescott, take Williamson Valley Rd North until it turns to dirt. Take an Imitate left at the "T" intersection on County RD 68/Forest Service rd 21 towards YOLO ranch. This is a long section of road so make sure you fill up on gas. It's a maintained dirt road and so fairly friendly to low clearance and non 4WD vehicles. There are many Forest Service Roads that go north and south from this one road to go explore.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

"The Egg" Who knows what awaits on this highball
[Hide Photo] "The Egg" Who knows what awaits on this highball

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Gregory Cooper
Phoenix, AZ
[Hide Comment] It appears that a large fire has swept through this area. Because of this, the ground isn't as stable as it has been and what looks like a large flood event that has made it so that low clearance vehicles are no longer recommended. Also, the fire has damaged quite a bit of the rock, even "the egg." Whether that's good or bad, time will tell. At least getting to the rocks no longer requires bushwhacking. Dec 9, 2021