DWS East Clear Creek Climbing

Downstream of the Winslow Wall is Arizona's best DWS venue - East Clear Creek Reservoir. The same Coconino Sandstone walls rise out of deep water, offering fun, boat accessed rock climbing at all levels of difficulty. Knowing how to swim is the only requirement for this area, but to fully enjoy it you will want some sort of water craft that can be paddled or motored along this 2 mile long stretch of East Clear Creek. The current is negligible but a windy day can make paddling a battle, so think about bringing a water craft that will conserve your energy for the plentiful pumpy climbs. The climbing ranges from low ball bouldering to serious deep water solos. The rule of thumb is picking a line with a clean fall to deep water. One must become aware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface, such as rocks or sand bars. Testing each landing zone for depth and obstacles is highly recommended. Yearly flooding can change the floor of the reservoir. Don't assume that established climbs are safe. Test the water yourself.

As you get comfortable with falling and jumping into the deep water, remain diligent about the dangers. One can get lulled into assuming the water is deep everywhere, but it isn't. Changing light conditions can hide shallow water or submerged rocks. Never habitually dive from any climbs. Play it safe as I did on my first day of water soloing here. Clouds had moved over and the surface of the water turned dark. Feeling confident from a long day of crashing into deep water and never feeling the bottom, I was by myself and I nearly dove headfirst from an untested 20 foot drop. Luckily I remembered the NO DIVING rule we all agreed to at the put in. Turns out the water was only 4 feet deep. Had I done a dive, it would have been my head and neck that hit the sand bar instead of my feet and ass. Diving is super fun but it really is not worth the risk unless you and your friends are 100% certain about the safety of the area you are in. Water soloing seems so safe but in reality an accident in the water takes on a whole new dimension of seriousness. Please be careful.

Dangers aside, the climbing experience here is unlike anything else in Arizona. Climbers rarely venture into 100 degree heat to go climbing, but here it's all just meant to be. The sandstone is grippy even with warm hands and wet shoes. The water is chilly, but an invigorating relief from the blazing summer sun. You'll go from broiling to shivering as you go from boat, to rock, to water, and then back to the boat again. Climbing becomes a way to cool off. Be sure to bring plenty of water, a towel, a sun hat, a dry bag, and any other comforts one might bring for a day on a lake. Once you put in at McHood Park you will be out for the day so pack wisely.

• **Bring a large trash bag to collect the plentiful bottles, cans, cups and other trash floating in the creek or on the rocks and beaches. If you forget just use your boat as a big trash can until you get back to McHood Park.