Climbing Near Winterhaven, California

The land of farms, Marines and Mexican food. Yuma doesn't have a lot of established climbing as far as I know but a few notable scrambles can be had. There is definitely route development potential. Driving from San Diego it's about a 3hr 30m drive East on I-8 to town. From Phoenix it's about the same West down I-8.

This very prominent formation North of Yuma is visible from 30+ miles away. It's striking enough any climber will notice it from Town. The rock reminded me of the Fisher Towers, though im not sure it's sandstone per se. The upper sections of the peak are covered in countless huecos and pockets. There's definitely route potential on this peak. Maybe some hard Fisher Towers style aid or multipitch sport. Although it's technically in California, the easiest way to get to the base is driving from Yuma. 4WD and High Clearance reccomended but not required.Picacho Peak on Google Maps. From Yuma it's about an 1h 30m drive and the vast majority is on a dirt road. Take the dirt road past the canal bridge. Even if your GPS tries to take you off another path never leave this main road. Pass a few fenced off areas that are surrounding the old Picacho mine. Pass the 4 miles to Picacho State Park sign. You'll eventually get to a spot where you'll make a left over a Medium high strip of dirt. You'll make the turn in a section where it looks like they plowed the road with dirt mounds lining the road. This is where 4WD is recommended. The peak will slowly come into view. Slowly make your way down the road to a spot where you can eventually park at a roundabout.

All the routes are in the High Tanks area of the Tinajas Altas mountains just east of Yuma Arizona. This is a fragile desert environment, with historical significance. It is extremely hot in the summer and perhaps only suitable for late fall, winter, and early spring climbing. As always, practice "leave no trace" camping/hiking/climbing. You can camp there, just indicate how many days to intend to stay when you get your permit. The climbing area is located about 25 miles south of Interstate 8 in the Barry M. Goldwater bombing range. Once you have your permit, take I-8 east from Yuma, exit at Avenue 25 E. Turn south. The road turns to dirt after about 1 mile. This road is caled the El Camino del Diablo it is a rough, unpaved route that is quite sandy and can be washed out. 4x4 required. Follow the dirt road south. Stay on the main road, as there are several side road leading elsewhere. After bouncing along for about 25 miles you will find a turn-off marked with a small sign labeled Tinajas Altas. Don't be fooled by the Tinajas Altas Mountains sign, the real turn is about 3-4 miles after that one. Follow the Tinajas Altas turn off south to the climbing area. If you need better directions, just ask when you get your permit, they have maps there to give to you.