Category: Misc.

Top Four Rock Climbing Spots in Phoenix, AZ

By michaelgavin
updated 5 months ago

I have had the distinct pleasure and the enjoyment of growing up for a better part of my youth in sunny Arizona. The one thing that readily compliments this vast desert landscape is the great many mountains and climbing, and hiking spots throughout the state. My parents always allowed me to attend outdoor education schools while growing up and as a result I was able to join a professional climbing team and really dig my fingers into the many great rock walls that decorate AZ.

After climbing for several years at most every spot there was, I was able to boil down my favorite climbing spots as well as several great indoor rock gyms that serve to keep one well practiced. I have compiled these all into this guide to better serve any avid rock climbers that happen to stop in to visit us Westerners. If you are looking for smooth and rocky climbing spots to hit up when in the Sonoran Desert—this guide will direct you to what I think are some of the best spots!

Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon

The beautiful and towering Camelback mountain has earned its nickname because if you view it from a distance it looks like a camel’s back and the camel is laying down—which is really rather nifty. That name aside, there are several great climbing spots on Camelback Mountain—you just have to know where to find them. I grew up living in a house at the base of this awesome mountain and had the opportunity to get very familiar with it over the years.

The most popular climbing spot in the state happens to be on the North side of this very large mountain, where the cliff walls and sides meet amongst vast clutters of boulders—a canyon that has been dubbed as echo canyon; your voice will carry far here. There are thousands of great boulders for climbing and many pro climbers are seen here every day testing their skills and might on the great many sheer cliff walls that rise up into the sky.

You can choose to go bouldering at the base or follow the trail up the side of the mountain. There are great boulders and small cliffs everywhere you look and finding one of choice just takes but a little time spent looking; they are all around you. Many people like to climb to the towering top of the mountain and anchor in and then repel down the steep cliffs that span more than 800 feet up into the air—truly invigorating.

When climbing this mountain you could easily visit it hundreds of times and never climb the same spot twice. Easily making it one of the best spots on my list to climb when in Arizona, but wait there is more. This mountain also happens to boast one of the best know climbing formations in the country, and I will happily tell you all about it in the next segment.

Camelback Mountain: Praying Monk

Located on the Southeast side of Camelback mountain, the Praying Monk rock formation is one of the most notable climbs in the state. Just to get to this formation you will have to scale a hundred foot tall cliff ledge—which I have done—and then you will have to lead climb your rope and lock in to nuts along the way, lest you fall.

There are several different climbs that you can pursue on the Praying Monk and they are all rated by professional climbers and all the lock in points have already been drilled into the rock. Even the cliff leading to this formation has five differently rated climbs but keep in mind all of them are professionally rated climbs. Do not attempt to climb this alone or without the proper gear.

Phoenix Rock Gym

1353 E University, Tempe, AZ 85281

This awesome and completely indoor rock gym in South Tempe features more than 15,000 square feet of climbing, over 55 top ropes, tons of great bouldering areas and so many different walls to climb that you will never get bored. They also have plenty of overhangs and lead climbing spots to better your skills on.

Solid Rock Gym

23620 N 20th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85085

This rock gym has it all. More than fifty top ropes, a cavern with a great overhang for lead climbers, thirty-foot-tall walls and a separated bouldering area for those who are just practicing. They have a great staff, awesome service and pretty fair prices for the avid climber.

AZ on the Rocks

16447 North 91st Street Suite 105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

One of the very few rock gyms that is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. They have a huge area to climb in that is larger than 14,000 square feet and is fully air conditioned. Their walls are at least thirty feet high, and they have plenty of overhangs and more than forty top ropes. Good prices and service as well as ample climbing areas make this a great gym.

Rocks & Ropes

330 S Toole Avenue 400, Tucson, AZ 85701

The only good climbing gym in Tucson really has a lot to offer customers. They feature a massive 14,000+ square foot gym, more than 50 top ropes and some of the tallest climbing walls in the state standing more than forty feet tall. They also have five separate lead climbing spots and a huge and very awesome bouldering area. This place is the place to go to climb indoors when in Southern Arizona.

The Hole in the Rock

One of the best-known rock climbing and hiking and tourist spots in the state happens to boast a naturally forming equinox which creates a wind tunnel in the hole of the rock. Aptly named for it’s sheer cliff ledges and other easy hiking spots that lead up to the hole itself, which is near the top of the formation. Once you do reach the hole you will notice that it is indeed a natural wind tunnel—the wind comes gusting through like a really big fan.

Hole in the Rock

625 N Galvin Pky Phoenix, AZ 85008

This place is great for climbers of all levels. The nearby Papago Park has several small mountains and tons of great boulders for those who love to climb often. There are plenty of rated climbs as well as ample hiking and picnic spots. This is an all-around great climbing spot that can also serve for a great hiking spot. Plenty of places to climb nearby make this one of the best spots to check out in the state.

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ 85287

The mountain that houses the famed “A” letter for ASU and which can also be seen from high up in the sky when flying overhead also happens to be a great bouldering and climbing spot. You will have to make sure to go through the visitor’s entrance and follow the rules or you will be asked to leave.

However a short hike will take you to several great boulders and other smaller, yet challenging cliff ledges.

On most weekends you can see plenty of climbers and hikers all making their way up to visit the “A” letter—a huge manmade rock formation on the side of this small mountain that boasts the letter “A” for ASU (Arizona State University).

On game days there are firemen who stay on one side of the mountain and launch fireworks every time the college football team scores some points. The history and the popularity as well as ample bouldering, hiking and climbing spots make this a must-see spot.

However a short hike will take you to several great boulders and other smaller, yet challenging cliff ledges.