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East Clear Creek?

Original Post
Brett R · · Cary, IL · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 75

Making my first trip to Sedona next May and hoping to incorporate some climbing into the trip. Stumbled upon East Clear Creek and wondering if anyone had info to make this a reality for my GF and I?

Is there a place to rent a boat in the area? Or anyone willing to show 2 newbies around? Would def be down to throw some $ and beer into the mix :) Looks like a dream destination.

Open to any other suggestions as well!

Cheers!

Mike · · Phoenix · Joined May 2006 · Points: 2,615

ECC will still be a bit chilly for DWS at that time of year, at least for this thin-blooded Phoenician. If you do decide to go, the only place I personally know of that rents inflatable kayaks is the AZ Hiking shack in Phoenix, but with some digging you could probably find one in Flagstaff. Or better yet, ditch the boat, bring your rope, and go to Winslow Wall. It's the same place, but with terra firma instead of deep water. Also you could just stay local, as Sedona (& the Waterfall) will still be nice in the shade. HTH.

Brett R · · Cary, IL · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 75

Right on, thanks for the advice. Being from Chicago I run a little thicker blood, but what is cold do you think? What area are you referring to as the Waterfall? Any other DWS areas around?

Thanks!

Jacob Dolence · · Farmville, VA · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 806

It's cold in May but I've deep water soloed there quite a bit then, you just have to check ALL of the water landings first as there is a chance of debris from winter still. I've been when its been 80 in Winslow and been okay with the temps. Disclaimer I'm from Wyoming, but have been living in Flag for five years. There are multiple places in Flagstaff that rent Canoes, also I think there is a place that rents canoes by Blue Ridge Reservoir.

Red · · Tacoma, Toyota · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 1,625
Brett R wrote: What area are you referring to as the Waterfall?
waterfall
Manny Rangel · · PAYSON · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 4,788

Since you will be in Sedona try some of the great climbing in town. As mentioned earlier, the Waterfall is awesome basalt single pitch. There are great towers and climbs you could do without driving two hours to East Clear Creek.

Brett R · · Cary, IL · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 75

Wow! That looks amazing. The problem for me is my GF, who is accompanying me on the trip, is not a trad climber so I was planning on leaving the rack at home. I think I will scout it out for future reference tho! Thanks for the link.

Any fun moderate sport routes in the area? Or in Flagstaff?

Tortilla · · Fakeville, USA · Joined Dec 2004 · Points: 845

You could probably find an inflatable raft for about $40 at Big 5 or the like. They are pretty functional for DWS there. May will be a little chilly, but hanging out in the sun should be pretty warm. As far as routes, if you look around carefully you can usually see a little chalk and it is also pretty easy to spot climbable lines. Check the depth, make sure the boat isn't under you, and go for it!

Manny Rangel · · PAYSON · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 4,788

O ok. Head to Jacks Canyon south of Winslow if you want fun moderate sport climbing. Flagstaff has the Pit too; some moderate clip ups a bit closer than Jacks Canyon. Shady sport climbs in Sedona are rare since shady north facing rock is usually not the best.

May is too cold, as Mike said, for desert dwellers. You may enjoy a chilly swim and East Clear Creek will be fun as you paddle around shivering looking for your next problem. I don't even get close to there until June at the earliest.

Brett R · · Cary, IL · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 75

Thanks for the Beta! I'm starting to get the picture now.

RyanJames · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 505

Definitely don't plan on doing DWS. It's WAYYYYY TOO COLD!!! Even for out-of-towners. I recommend any other crags that the guys listed. Have fun! Our state rocks!!!

Brett R · · Cary, IL · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 75

10-4... Now we are crystal clear. Moderate sport crags it is! Or maybe someone will be looking for a partner on something more adventurous at the time??? Def looking forward to AZ!

Mike · · Phoenix · Joined May 2006 · Points: 2,615
Brett R wrote: ... Moderate sport crags it is! ...
Within decent driving distance check out Isolation Canyon, Jacks Canyon, & The Promised Land.
RyanJames · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 505

Brett, I'm going to edit my previous comment because I'm an idiot and didn't fully read your post. In May, you could DWS if the weather is good, however even if the weather is good it would still be cold. I recommend staying dry.

Brett R · · Cary, IL · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 75

Yeah my bad... I only get to do a handful of trips each year so I get excited well in advance lol. Still looking forward to AZ even tho it looks like DWS is out for this round.

Brady Black · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 55

Brett,

moenkopiriverworks.com rents canoes, kayaks, pack rafts and my personal favorite standup paddle boards")

If you want to run a 16 day Grand Canyon trip while you are here just ask") The weather that time of year will be amazing at the Winslow Walls.

One Canyon over, Chevelon has some incredible stuff going up as well.

Also, within minutes of Flagstaff, one can find limestone pockets to the gods, 180 ft basalt dihedrals, 450 ft dacite buttress, sandstone everything.

Brady

Brett R · · Cary, IL · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 75

Right on! I wish I had more time and could do a float trip. That is on my bucket list for sure.

You are confirming what I was thinking: AZ has a ton a great climbing to explore. Going to try and make it back for a dedicated climbing trip in the near future. Probably only going to get in a couple days climbing and try to explore some of the other great features in the area this time around. Also have MTB and hot springs on the mind.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Arizona & New Mexico
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