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How is Tucson as a town/climbing town?

Original Post
Ryan N · · Bellingham, WA · Joined May 2009 · Points: 195

So I'm headed to Tucson, AZ until February. I was wondering what Mt. Lemmon is like for climbing. It mostly looks like single pitch sport. Are there any winter climbs ie. ice, snow, alpine? At nearly 10,000ft I'd imagine there might be some couloirs at least.

Also interested in anyone's opinion on the diving in Mexico? Looks like some good stuff 4-6hrs away. I'm a pretty experienced cold water diver so the thought of diving in warmer water is nice. Is it a pain in the ass to drive in Mexico?

what is the city like to live in. I did grow up in Scottsdale, AZ so I know what it was like 10 years ago. I've been down there a number of times, but it didn't leave a lasting impression.

and last, I'm headed that way so I'd like to hook up with some partners. I will be free until the first week of November.

Kevinmurray · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 0

Driving in Mexico,buy Mexican auto insurance, check your U.s. coverage,don't drive at night,lot's of animals on the road and no fences. If you hit an animal and your car is still operable drive away.

dale polen · · arivaca, az · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 95

Great climbing on Lemmon. Tuscon is a ugly city though. It smells and is loud. i wouldnt live there. There are some nicer small towns in Southern Az.

Kevinmurray · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 0

Tucson is indeed a big ugly city but what do you expect when one of the arterial streets is named Speedway.

Lauer · · Duluth, MN · Joined Apr 2008 · Points: 0

Tucson is a shithole with character, so I like it, but don't want to be here forever. Checkout Cochise Stronghold/Baboquivari/Mendoza/Leviathan for your multi-pitch climbing, there is plenty. There really isn't any alpine climbing to speak of although I hear a few places on lemmon will occasionally ice up enough for a pitch. PM me if you wish.

Robbie Mackley · · Tucson, AZ · Joined May 2010 · Points: 85

The thought of Tucson as a "big city" is laughable to me. Especially if you grew up in the Scottsdale/PHX area.
As for the climbing, there is plenty of both sport and trad to keep you busy until February. There is a lot of single pitch craging, but there is also ample multi pitch in the Catalina's. Add in the places mentioned above, and I'm sure you can stay busy.
Be sure to check out an SACC (Southern Arizona Climbers Coalition) meeting as a good place to meet partners. They happen the first Monday of every month at Barrio Brewery. Also check out the Beanfest this weekend (10/25-27) to meet partners and climb Cochise.
Welcome to SoAZ.
-Mackley

Rick Blair · · Denver · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 266

This is a weird thread. Last time I was in Toucson was maybe '98. Seemed pretty cool then. I loved the desert surrounding it. I hope these negative comments are hyperbole.

JackWeaver · · Salt Lake City · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 185

I just moved to Tucson about a week ago and can't say anything about

the climbing, but the city seems cool as long as you're within 2

miles of downtown.
As far as I know, Tucson is the best

combination of cheap living, culture, and proximity to climbing.


There is a ton of sprawl-miles and miles of box stores and shitty

looking apartment buildings. When I first got here I was trying to be

close to mt. lemmon,so I was looking in the suburban area and I almost

left because it was so depressing. Downtown rent is still CHEAP

compared to anywhere else I've lived and there's a lot going on.

Ryan N · · Bellingham, WA · Joined May 2009 · Points: 195

Thanks guys. Kinda what I thought. I'll check out the climbers coalition.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Arizona & New Mexico
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