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May/June climbing around Phoenix?

Original Post
Ramin Jamshidi · · Wauwatosa, WI · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 150

I'll be in Phoenix for work over a long weekend at the end of May / beginning of June. I'd love to stay an extra day or two to explore rock in the area, but have no idea if it will be too hot by then.

Sorry for my ignorance of Arizona, but I'd love to explore it a bit. Any advice from folks on places to climb around Phoenix in early June? Mellow stuff (sport/trad 10s, 11s, no more than a few pitches) would be ideal.

Thanks in advance!

ClimbPHX.com · · Mesa AZ · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 1,135

I agree, however, dont you think he could do Morrell Wall or Sven Slab area climbing since it is facing away and get away in the AM before it heats up? McDowells are the bomb!

Jon B · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 105

Don't forget Atlantis at Queen Creek. It is usually really nice in the canyon in the morning, and recieves shade on the south wall most all day. Again, it tends to be early morning climbing in the summer.

Camelback is baren of hikers, in the warmer months, so the parking there would make the approach real easy. Early morning again, as even with the afternoon you are still looking at 90's in the shade.

Mornings bring high 70's to 80's until around lunch when it starts approaching the daytime high.

Pete Hickman · · Washington, DC · Joined Sep 2007 · Points: 485

I climbed camelback mountain in central phoenix all summer, but I would make sure to be there by sun up, and even earlier if I wanted to get a parking spot without waiting in line. Also, bring two or three times as much water as you think you will need or else you will probably die.

JmH · · Arizona · Joined Sep 2007 · Points: 5
Pete Hickman wrote: Also, bring two or three times as much water as you think you will need or else you will probably die.
its good...its good
Manny Rangel · · PAYSON · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 4,788

how far out of phoenix are you willing to drive for a day or two of climbing?

Ramin Jamshidi · · Wauwatosa, WI · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 150
manuel rangel wrote:how far out of phoenix are you willing to drive for a day or two of climbing?
Thanks so much to everyone for taking the time to throw out some advice - it's all been really helpful!

As to how far we can range, we'll be stuck in the city until Saturday evening, and will have to fly out Sunday night so it keeps us on a pretty short leash.
Manny Rangel · · PAYSON · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 4,788

Sounds like you can stay in town and climb sunday morning: McDowells are north-facing trad granite, hot by late morning/early noon; Atlantis is a shady canyon @ 1 hr drive for sport climbs on volcanic rock, Camelback has shady routes on climbable choss. If you drove out of town saturday night you have more choices but depends on when you have to be at the airport. Have fun. email me for more info.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Arizona & New Mexico
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