Northern AZ Bouldering* Climbing

The Flagstaff area is a boulderer's paradise. There are more than a dozen different bouldering areas all within a short drive from downtown Flagstaff. Some areas can be approached in minutes by foot or bike. The rock types include volcanic andesite, dacite, and basalt, as well as sedimentary limestone and sandstone. The variety of bouldering locales combined with a generally mild, sunny climate allow for year round bouldering. Even on the worst wintery days, one can still find dry rock under one of Priest Draw's many sheltering roofs.

Most of Flagstaff's bouldering history has been chronicled in Tim Toula's Cheap Way to Fly. From the early 80's til mid 90's, most of Flagstaff's bouldering areas we're discovered and developed, including Buffalo Park, Mount Elden areas, Turkey Tanks, Priest Draw, The Ridge, and more. As bouldering became more popular in the late 90's, another wave of exploration and development began that continues to this day. The prevalent bouldering mentality around Y2K spawned the development of new areas like Kelly Canyon, Cherry Canyon, The Peaks, and more, while modern classics were added to existing areas. East Clear Creek and Sedona's Anvil Boulders became essential nearby getaways for the growing population of Flagstaff boulderers.

If you've climbed out Priest Draw, be sure to get beta from locals about the Hinterlands. The latest and hardest development has occurred at satellite areas like Choss Roof, BVB Roof, Blimp Roof and other limestone locations around Flagstaff. Whether you are a veteran double digit roof crusher, a V0 beginner, or anything in between, Flagstaff has what boulderers want.