Solitude Canyon  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  7,000' Lat, Long:  35.2386, -111.6226 Map Page Views:  40,751. Good page? (3 likes)    Administrators:  Greg Opland, James DeRoussel, JJ Schlick, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  JJ Schlick on Sep 2, 2010 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

The View from the "Break" atop Middle Solitude Can...

Description 

Solitude Canyon is a major drainage on the western flanks of Mt. Elden, and is quite conspicuous from a number of vantage points around the west side of town. Coined by Scott Baxter, or one of his crew, at least a couple lines were done here back in the day. These days however, Solitude Canyon is quickly becoming a sport climbing refuge nestled right in the backyard of Flagstaff. There are three distinct areas in this rugged and forested canyon, each with it's own character.

Lower Solitude boasts close to thirty routes which usually involve body english, crimp strength, and a mind for puzzles. Unique dihedrals line up with steep aretes to offer up burly routes which often times involve boulder problem cruxes. This area is a place to hide from the sun when hot, or to really get after it in early fall. But there are a lot of days throughout the year when this crag is climbable.

Blow has the juggiest holds at Lower Solitude, interrupted by an excellent crux past the last bolt, then more deep jugs to the anchor. Submitted By: Colin Cox on Jul 14, 2011

Dean sticking the crux throw on Holy Roller 5.12, Higher Solitude. Submitted By: JJ Schlick on Mar 27, 2011

Getting There 

For Lower Solitude park at the same cul de sac at the end of Paradise that you would to access Glorias Boulders. Please be courteous to the residents and do not park in front of the chain link fence with gate. From the Safeway on the corner of Cedar Ave and Linda Vista head north on the latter for a block or two, and look for Paradise on the left. Follow large trails up to the boulders, and then go left (west), around them either just skirting them or at the base of them. By keeping your eye on the base and sticking with it you will enter the mouth of Solitude canyon. There are several sets of trails, but there is a distinct climbers trail which heads into the drainage as it appears. This is about fifteen minutes into the hike, and splits right from a well worn trail near a very dead gray sawed stump. Follow this trail the base of Lower Solitude.

For Higher Solitude, check out the approach beta on that page.

The Classics

Featured Route For Solitude Canyon

Continental Drift 5.12+  AZ : Northern Arizona : ... : Main Wall

Continental Drift is an audacious route that climbs up a wide white streak twenty feet right of Solitaire. Start on bulbous rock with big moves between big holds. Take your rest at the break, and bear hug the block to access the thin pocketed climbing above. The crux involves some serious crimping, body tension, balance, and a good huck to an undercling pocket! The crux section will either excite your puzzle mind, or terribly frustrate you... You do however get a decent shake after that, bu...[more]   Browse More Classics in AZ

Photos of Solitude Canyon Slideshow

Add Photo

Colin Cox staring down the crux of Solitaire, at H...