Hello local experts! Im looking for some advice on the best guidebooks for my first visit to AZ/NM.
I'll be flying into Phoenix (from Europe) late november for 4 weeks. I wont really be at any one place long enough to be worth buying the proper guides, so will be looking for some kind of selective guide I guess.
I know theres a NM guide is there a similar AZ one? Any good? Any particular crags have online guides, or OK to manage just with the info on here?
provisional plan: Queen Creek maybe 3 days. Mt Lemmon, also about 3 days. Truth or Consequences / Socorro area, Red Rock Arroyo and the Box. Santa Fe, climb at White Rock & Diablo Canyon and soak in some hot springs. Prescott area (Thumb Butte) and Pinnacle Peak / McDowell (Sven slab and Girlie Man).
Just to explain what might look like an odd choice of crags this will be my first climbing after 6 months out with a knee injury. So, I need routes below 5.9, and I will also need easy approaches - fairly short, with no scrambling or boulder-hopping.
As for New Mexico, definitely look into the MountainProject app and download the New Mexico areas. I feel the NM climbers have done a really good job of documenting the areas on MountainProject.
A few areas that have good PDF or other online documentation that I know of are: El Rito Sport Area Super fun conglomerate rock Little River Wall Many long (28m) moderate sport routes on conglomerate rock near El Rito with five minute, flat approach. Las Conchas Easy Bake Alcove High elevation rhyolite sport climbing in Jemez Mountains (not far from hot springs). Flat, easy 15 minute hike approach along river in beautiful canyon.
These areas are all on MountainProject, too, and have more updated info. Have a great trip!
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience, to show you
personalized content, and for statistical purposes. By continuing
to navigate our website, you accept our use of cookies. Read our
Privacy Policy to learn more.