Overview

Sport climbing on limestone cliffs in a remote, scenic high desert backcountry within a two-hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson. The canyon and the climbing routes are on public land administered by the BLM, and on private property owned by the Access Fund. The area is in a canyon with over 250 sport climbs on 12 limestone walls on both sides, accessed by primitive foot trails. The area is at elevations between 3000 and 4000 feet, with limestone, sandstone and siltstone rock formations. Vegetation is diverse desert scrub, semi-desert grasslands, and chaparral with mesquite, palo verde, ocotillo, saguaro, prickly pear, cholla, catclaw acacia, jojoba, scattered agave, yucca and sotol. Land ownership in the area is intermingled BLM, State Trust land, and private property, including property owned by the Access Fund. Public use of State Trust land requires a recreational permit from the Arizona State Land Department. The private property beyond the Access Fund trailhead is not open to public use.

Safety Tips

• Respect and be cautious of local wildlife. Bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes and Africanized bees are common in the area.
• Bring plenty of water. Extreme heat conditions are typical during summer months.
• Severe storms with lightning and flash-flooding may occur, usually from mid-June to mid-September. Always stay out of washes and seek shelter if lightning occurs.