Climbing Near Tempe, Arizona

This area is a Y-shaped artificial boulder in a playground at the southwestern corner of Dwight Park. The boulder is 8 feet tall, made of concrete, and has an array of chunky molded "natural" features; no bolted holds are present. The ground surface is covered by thick rubber matting material. This is decidedly *not* a destination boulder, but if you live nearby or have kids, it makes for a convenient stop. Potential problems look to be in the realm of V-Easy and V0 (it is in a playground after all...), with traverses offering a couple longer options. Dwight Park is a Tempe municipal park in the residential area southwest of the Kyrene Road and Southern Avenue intersection (north of US 60).

It’s East facing so morning sun. You’ll have some on lookers as you are very visible from the road. You’ll hear traffic and planes the entire time so if it's serenity you seek, you'll not find it here. If you're after fun easy access to urban area climbing it does not get easier. With an 80m rope you could belay from your car, though you'll clothesline many walkers/cyclists.Nice little wall if you want some outdoor action after work or have somewhere to be in the afternoon. Could see this also being a good place to introduce new climbers to real rock, particularly if not wanting to make a big trip of it.There is a decent amount of broken glass around (make sure to protect those ropes!), and sometimes trash. If everyone packs out just a bit each visit, it'll be clean in no time :) This wall is a whopping 50 yards west from College Ave south of Curry Rd in Tempe and skirts the Papago Dog Park. From the 202 head north and you can turn west just after the Carvana Tower. You can park at the crag on the street with the northbound flow of traffic (across the street) or just go to the parking lot at the park.

Located just west of the Hobo House routes in the funky little Papago Park island formed by the 202 and Curry Road, the Needle Boulder is a ~12 foot tall freestanding lump of chossy conglomerate. Sharp slick holds abound but there's also some fun moves formed by a variety of cobbles, pockets, and edges in the rock matrix. Test your holds before you commit though, as some areas aren't great. The western and southern faces of the boulder are the most promising, while the north side is slabby and where the downclimb is located.Based on the time of day, the entire boulder (or just individual sides) can be in the sun. Early morning - say before 8am in the summer - is the best time to go, as it's still relatively cool and the boulder is completely shaded by the bulk of the Hobo House formation.  ALSO: Just as Hobo House's dirt is littered with broken glass, this area is no different. Discarded needles can also be found in the area (hence the name). Be careful!  Park in the parking lot for the park on the Southwest corner of College and Curry. Head south across the playground to the west side of the Hobo House formation. The Needle Boulder is the largest of the three freestanding boulders ~30 yards to the west (the two other boulders are really small...).