PRINT: Rock Climb Gabriel's Watch, Central Arizona

Gabriel's Watch

5.11b/c, Sport, 135 ft (41 m),

Avg: 4 from 3 votes
FA: David Sampson and Arjun Heimsath
Arizona > Central Arizona > Queen Creek Canyon > Lower Devil's C… > Refuge > Godhead South > Face of God

Access Issue: Must Register! Private Property-The Pond, Atlantis and Mine Area Details

Climbing at The Pond, Atlantis and Mine Area are private property, and now requires that you register in order to gain legal access. This is an easy process. You can do this at: queencreekclimbing.com/.
This is a one-time and free process so once you are registered you are good to go.

You can read more about this process and the announcement at the Queen Creek Coalition website – theqcc.com or the Queen Creek Coalition’s Facebook page – facebook.com/Queen-Creek-Co…

Description

This extremely fun and challenging climb starts on the left side of a narrow low north-facing wall below the God Head. Climb up angling left past four bolts reaching a large ledge. A few difficult moves establishes you onto a steep overhanging wall that leads to two bulges and a short and easy run-out ramp to the top. Belay from two hangers. Rap "God Knows" or walk off by scrambling southeast and descending into the gulley. You can also rap west, down the main face for easier access to the next three climbs.

Location

North face of the area

Protection

Sport, 11 bolts

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Jimbo ready for his onsite

Canada Eric nearing the top on his onsight

Canada Eric at the crux

AMH through the crux on the second ascent.

DAS nearing the top.

DAS getting through the crux on the FA

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Geir www.ToofastTopos.com
Tucson/DMR

5.11

My favorite sport route in QC. Terrific rock, great climbing, awesome feature. The crux is outrageous and perfectly bolted. Fantastic job on this David! Nov 26, 2011

David Sampson
Tempe AZ,

5.11b/c

Thanks Geir.
Note: do not be enticed by chain anchors off left: continue straight up the face along the blunt arete to hangers. Dec 18, 2011

susan peplow
Joshua Tree

Let's recap.....

-4* .11c
-In QC on our beloved volcanic rock
-Geirs favorite QC sport climb
-Newly developed area
-Nicely and freshly bolted

Wow, I need to step up my game for some spring climbing in QC. Can't wait to see all the work you guys have done! Meanwhile I'll just continue to read about it from 300 miles away.

Keep posting pics! Dec 18, 2011

David Sampson
Tempe AZ,

5.11b/c

Hey Susan;
Yeah, let me know when you are around; I would be happy to show you around! Dec 29, 2011

David Sampson
Tempe AZ,

5.11b/c

NOTE: When climbing Gabes do not be be drawn off route by the chains hanging for the two routes left of Gabriel's Watch; climb the blunt arete to the top, ending at two hangers. Rap "God Knows" to get off. Nov 7, 2012

arjunmh
Phoenix & Prescott, AZ

5.11c

Using the chains on the Gabriel's Watch anchor you can rap safely back to the start with a 70 m rope. Jan 28, 2019

arjunmh
Phoenix & Prescott, AZ

5.11c

This is one of the best routes around and a must-do, but also quite challenging. I still have to dyno the main move into the crux section and that's very committing. But, it's totally solid and wonderful climbing. Also, I've re-cleaned and re-cairned the trail up here, along with Brian, Katie and Megan's help, and it should now be clear how to get from Heaven's Gate to here and back again. There are clear cairns visible from the dirt road, you just need to walk along and keep your eyes peeled and then follow the cairns and the cleared path. Jan 28, 2019