I'm headed to Phoenix the first weekend in March for business and I'd like to get some outdoor climbing in also for 2 days. Since I don't want to haul a bunch of gear on the plane I'm looking for a sport climbing area that has fairly easy access, (rental car) and climbs from 5.8 to 5.11. Over 15 years ago I climbed at the Pond but that is my only experience with the climbing around Phoenix. Can any one suggest other areas or is the Pond the best for my needs. Thanks much. Norm

Queen creek is the closest spot with dense sport routes...but, since you asked.

Camelback has some sport routes. Worth a visit. Some bolted stuff at Mcdowells, but definitely not "sport." Lookout mountain has a little sport, very so-so.

Queen Creek is probably the largest concentration of sport climbs close to Phoenix area. If you have the time to travel a little, Jacks Canyon is a couple of hours away and is all sport. Also, Tucson is only a couple of hours drive and has plenty of sport climbing.

After Queen Creek, the closest crag with lots of good sport climbing is Isolation Canyon. It's about 1.5 hours of driving and 30 min of hiking. Expect it to be 10 - 20 degrees cooler there than QC. I wouldn't recommend anything closer than QC.

Someone already mentioned the McDowells - Sven slab has easy access (15 minute walk in) and has a couple of bolted routes. Park at the Tom's Thumb Trailhead. I was just out there visiting family in scottsdale and we hit that wall up twice.

Stash cams in your bag after you have packed, its amazing how much you can fit in there. If you are bringing a rope stash some in there too. Then you can climb at pinnacle peak!