Where to Go Rock Climbing in Tucson
Hiking in Tucson and the surrounding areas is a great way to see nature. If you are looking for a more adventurous option there is another way to see it all that’s a bit more extreme! By utilizing the natural rock formations that can be found all around Tucson, rock climbing is a more extreme way to experience nature. Tucson and the surrounding areas have a climate that makes rock climbing possible almost all year long. The weather, paired with some beautiful rock formations, make the rock climbing in Tucson some of the best in the country! With so many different areas to climb the options can be overwhelming. It can also be a bit difficult to find the right one to suit your needs. It is important to consider not only the beautiful surroundings and locations but also your skill level! So instead of wasting a bunch of time trying to find the perfect spot, check out this list and find a great place to start! Who knows, you might love it so much you end up visiting them all!
Where to go Rock Climbing in Tucson:
Baboquivari Peak
The Baboquivari Peak is a 7,734-foot peak that offers 360-degree views from the summit. Unlike other rock climbing opportunities in the Tucson area, this one is not surrounded by forest. This is definitely the perfect climb for those anyone hoping to have a great view from the summit.
Cochise Stronghold
The Cochise Stronghold got it’s name thanks to its famous role in history. The natural formations acted as a hideout for Apache Indians and helped act as a natural barrier which gave them a stronghold when fighting! There are multiple routes for you to climb with different difficulty levels for everyone. This is an awesome Rock Climbing in Tucson option because it really does have something for everyone! You can even make more than one trip out of the Cochise Stronghold as you improve your skills and take the more challenging routes!
Elephant Head
With nearly 1,000 feet of vertical rock, Elephant Head rests at the base of the Santa Rita Mountain Range. This climb is not for beginners. It boasts some pretty scary lines and you definitely don’t want to attempt a climb like this unprepared! Make sure you are a skilled climber or have some assistance for Elephant Head!! If you do decide to go rock climbing at Elephant Head you’ll be rewarded with some of the most amazing views! Make sure you pack that camera!
Gates Pass
At Gates Pass there are plenty of formations with great lines and great views, but Gates Pass is perhaps best known for its view of the sunset over Arizona. You can’t beat that awesome sundown glow! If you are an avid climber or hiker you might enjoy making an overnight trip out of this location!! Another great feature of Gates Pass is that there are trails with challenges to suit beginners all the way up to veteran climbers! With something to suit everyone this is a great option for rock climbing in Tucson!
Golder Dome
Golder Dome has one of the shortest approaches when it comes to great rock climbing spots in Tucson and it is located on the Northwest side of the Catalina Mtn. Range. There are tons of recommendations for every type of climb but some specific ones for Golder Dome are extra webbing and a knife! Make sure you always do some extra research on your chosen spot for rock climbing in Tucson. It’s always good to be over-preapred!!
Isle Of You
The start of the Isle of You climb is a 5.9 and one of the harder ones at that. However, once you are at the top, you can either repel back down using two ropes or just walk down the back side. This is a fun twist as far as rock climbing in Tucson goes! You might consider trying out different lines if you have some extra time or you can take the hike down the back side if you prefer to get a bit of both climbing and hiking in during your trip!!
La Milagrosa Canyon
La Milagrosa Canyon is the given name for this climbing location, but it is more affectionately known as “5.11 Heaven” and for good reason! During the winter the weather here is much easier to fare and it makes this climb “heavenly”. With amazing views and such an inviting nickname how could you pass up La Milagrosa Canyon when rock climbing in Tucson?!?
Linda Vista
Linda Vista is home to grade 3 or higher routes which makes it very accessible to many varieties and skill levels of climbers. There are options for both bouldering and roping that will keep you busy for days! This might very easily become your go to spot for rock climbing in Tucson! Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Mendoza Canyon
Mendoza Canyon is also known as Coyote Domes and has pitches that range from 2-8. Most routes are in the higher range but there are both the fun and scary climbs at this location. This varying skill level feature really makes Mendoza Canyon a great spot to go rock climbing; you can take it easy when you want a more fun climb, and you can challenge yourself when you feel like testing out your new skills!
Mt. Lemmon
Mt.Lemmon has many different climbs available. There are options ranging from traditional multi-pitch routes, all the way up to bolted sports climbs. Not to mention the natural view in this area goes all the way from desert to forest. That awesome variation in natural landscape is what makes Mt.Lemmon one of the most popular,(if not the most popular) places to go rock climbing in Tucson.
Dragoons
For those of you who might not be used to outdoor climbing, using bolts and ropes in nature, there is another, safer, option. Rocks n Ropes is an indoor area for rock climbing located downtown. There is also The Bloc in the Foothills/Northeast region of Tucson. Both offer a great workout for even the avid climber and a great way to learn for any beginner. If you can’t get out there and experience the natural rock climbing locations in Tucson make sure you check out these two great indoor options when you feel the urge for some adventure!
