Arizona in december

Hi all,

I have a week of climbing starting on December 17th, coming over from Albuquerque to explore some more of AZ. The weather looks like it might be a little cool and stormy so I am wondering if you can recommend sunny, warmer locations with fun climbing. Trad, sport, long, short all ok.
I have climbed a fair bit a cochise and might go there if the weather allows. Might try Mt. Lemmon for the first time, can you recommend good places that might be climbable this time of year?

Thanks
Bob

Try Sedona.

Bob Graham wrote:Hi all, I have a week of climbing starting on December 17th, coming over from Albuquerque to explore some more of AZ. The weather looks like it might be a little cool and stormy so I am wondering if you can recommend sunny, warmer locations with fun climbing. Trad, sport, long, short all ok. I have climbed a fair bit a cochise and might go there if the weather allows. Might try Mt. Lemmon for the first time, can you recommend good places that might be climbable this time of year? Thanks Bob

The Homestead, The Mustang, The Dry, (Cochise) Zappa wall , (Mt. Lemmon) Milagrosa, The Ruins, Sun Spot Crag, (Queen Creek) The Pond

Since you mentioned Mount Lemmon. Classic Mt. Lemmon would be Windy Point if you get there earlier in the morning and climb until the sun goes away. If you really want to stay warm Forgotten Wall and Sun Spots. The latter doesn't have lots of great routes but you can get a lot of climbing in. Mostly 5.10-11. Forgotten has a lot of 30M pitches and a variety. A better area overall with more quality climbs.
You will lose the sun later in the day so start a bit earlier. Milagrosa is a good bet too. Most of the routes are in the shade so it can be cold if the wind is blowing. Beautiful canyon to climb in. Hairpin Turn on Mt. Lemmon is low enough to be warm in the winter but I wouldn't drive here to go there. It is an option and there are some good climbs there. Have fun. If you are coming here those places will keep you climbing. If you are into trad Chimney Rock in Bear Canyon is great but it is cold until the sun hits it and you will lose the sun around 1:00 or 2.

Pretty cool limestone crimping at the Mustang, near Sierra Vista.
We're heading down there about the same time.

me and some friends are going up to mount lemmon on the 21st if your interested you can reply to this post

Try Sheepshead - Great routes, great camping and maybe the Border Patrol will stop you - thats always exciting.

If you want the absolute best sport routes The Homestead is the place to go. Hundreds of solidly bolted sport routes up to something like 17 bolts long. 4WD required. I have a group headed to Cochise late December. I have done it before and it is cold at night and while belaying in the shade but if you can find some sun it is superb

I agree with Mike-we climbed in Sedona yesterday and were actually seeking the shade-beautiful day!

hard to beat AZ climbing in the winter.. spent the past two days out in the supes with outrageously good weather. no matter where you head your bound to find some enjoyable climbing.

K-Tanz wrote:If you want the absolute best sport routes The Homestead is the place to go. Hundreds of solidly bolted sport routes up to something like 17 bolts long. 4WD required. I have a group headed to Cochise late December. I have done it before and it is cold at night and while belaying in the shade but if you can find some sun it is superb

Hey Bob.... sounds like youre thinkin southern Az.... n u mentioned Mt. Lemon.. both awesome winter areas. Check out the Ruins on the lemon highway.... south exposure, great routes, great views, easy approach n you dont have to pay the toll. I would think a little warmer than Sedona. Sedona can get on the tail end of the northern storms which dont come close to so. Az.

cheers
lou

If the crowds yesterday were any indication, The Pond at QC is a good area for December.

Of course, you'll likely be fighting for space with the various gumbies and boy scout groups, but at least it's warm!

Thanks everyone this is awesome and helpful, I hope we get some good weather to check out all your recommendations.

Bob