Granite Dells/Watson Lake Dells

The Dells are so cool.

Description 

Just east and a bit north of the city of Prescott is this incredibly beautiful and vast field of rounded granite formations. From a good vantage point, the sight of the Dells just before sunset is worth a hefty admission fee. The rock is a medium-grained desert granite that tends to be a bit grainy on some formations.

For years, most of the climbing in the area was done in the High Rappel Dell area, which has seen it's share of access issues. This area features mostly traditional routes on skin-rending rock. More recently, climbers have established routes within the formations on the north shore of Watson Lake with bolt-protected sport routes and the area continues to gain popularity.

Please be aware that access to the High Rappel Dell area sort of comes and goes, so tread lightly and be accomodating in case of conflict.

Getting There 

Both of the Dells areas are located off highway 89, a few miles north of the intersection of 89 and highway 69 into Prescott.

The Classics

Featured Route For Granite Dells/Watson Lake Dells

Co-op Crack 5.10b  AZ : Granite Dells/Watson Lake D... : High Rappel Dell

Probably the best route in the Dells. Approach pitch, to amazing splitter crack up high. On the wall directly behind the High Rappel wall. as you walk right along the wall, the wall will end, and look up and see the obvious splitter behind the High Rappel wall. ...[more]   Browse More Classics in AZ

Photos of Granite Dells/Watson Lake Dells Slideshow

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Alien skull somewhere in the Granite Dells.