Rock climbing around Sedona??
I’m heading out to Sedona Arizona in a few weeks for vacation with some friends. I’m going to try to do as much outdoor stuff as possible. One of the things I would like to do is some rock climbing. We are all pretty good climbers, but none of us have experience with really big multiple-pitch climbing …and from what I have heard, that’s what most of it is out there. I’m used to leading up a rope and top-roping it on stuff that is around 60ft, and is already bolted all the way up…..so my standard 60-meter rope works just fine for top-rope climbing.
Is there any stuff out there around Sedona that I can top rope with a standard 60 meter climbing rope, or is it all huge multiple pitch type stuff?
Any info would be great!!
Most of it is multi-pitch - not sure of any short routes, but I haven't done any real climbing over there, either. Lots of good routes over here in the Prescott area, though, which is about 1 1/2 hours to the west.
Sedona is a tricky place to climb. The sandstone quality varies wildly depending on the layer of stratification and will often change several times on one route. Almost all of the routes put up in Sedona have been done the old school way –– traditional, ground up, and any permanent anchors set on lead. Most routes are multi-pitch. Over the past decades some sport routes have been put up but they are generally of the 5.10 and up variety. I've never done any of those so I can't tell you exactly what your options are but there aren't many.
Your best option may be to head up to the Oakcreek Overlook. It's a climbing area off of Rt. 89A as you drive from Sedona up to Flagstaff that has some very nice single pitch routes on basalt rock. You basically park at the rest area of the overlook and hike down to the bottom of the cliff to find routes. There are no permanent, bolted anchors on top but most routes offer some sort of way to rig a top rope via anchoring off of trees and rocks. Routes vary from 5.6 up to 5.12. It's a fun place to climb but you need a bit of time to find the routes and then plan your anchor accordingly.
Yep, go to the overlook for plenty of moderates with a WALK-OFF, after setting up a gear belay a tthe top, Or top rope them. I've only done multi-pitch in Sedona and it is NOT the place to learn. Trick is an understatement. nothing is straightforward, lots of funky moves and mid-pitch traverses to awful slabs and sketchy ledges. If you DO attempt a route, The Mace is uber-classic. My partner broke his ankle on the jump (which is not necessary)
Thanks for all of the info! I'll have to go and check out the overlook. Sounds like what I'm looking for.
