Rappel spots in Sedona?

Hey guys, I'm looking for spots in Sedona that would be a cool and scenic to take someone rappelling. Maybe like a short hike to the backside and then rapping down the route.

I was up there a couple of weeks ago. The Oak Creek Overlook came highly recommended by a local outfitter. It is about 10-15 miles north of Sedona on Highway 89A, at the top of the switchbacks. There is a gated parking lot, and the crag is within 100 yards. You will walk up to the top of the wall, but there is a trail around the far (East) end where you could scramble up/down. I think the local practice is to rap to the bottom and climb back up. Search for the climbing area in Mt Project for more details. All of the routes are Trad, and there are no artificial anchors. The outfitter recommended a 30 foot long piece of webbing to set an anchor on a natural feature.

Final notes: I was told by a local climber that this wall is in the sun until about 4:00 in the afternoon, and that there are a lot of wasp nests on the wall as well- getting stung is common. He suggested going later in the day when the wasps were not active and it was cooler, and to take a bottle of wasp spray (is that aid?). I did not climb here for these reasons, but I have heard plenty about the popularity of the place. Most routes are at least 70’ high, with one or two at 100’. Great views of the canyon, too, with Sedona’s red rocks in the distance.

If you have questions or want a route map, go to that outfitter- Canyon Outfitter on Hwy 89A going west out of town. 

Oh yeah, don’t park in the gated parking lot if you will be there past 5:30- the Forest Service locks the gate at that time. Park across the street if you plan to stay after 5:30.

Zack Miller wrote: Hey guys, I'm looking for spots in Sedona that would be a cool and scenic to take someone rappelling. Maybe like a short hike to the backside and then rapping down the route.

Wherever you go please don't use trees to anchor. Many long term locals are trying to raise awareness about the destructive, unsustainable practice of using trees as anchors. Thanks