Northern Arizona Rock Climbing - Jacks Canyon

Rocks Climbers Can Enjoy Limestone Sport Climbing near Winslow, AZ

Apr 26, 2009

Learn about the Arizona rock climbing area called Jacks Canyon. Information includes how to get there, when to go, recommended routes, Jacks Canyon camping, and more.

Situated about 30 miles south of Winslow, Arizona, Jacks Canyon holds more than 200 bolted limestone sport climbs. Find out how to get to the canyon, the best season for rock climbing in Jacks Canyon, recommended climbing routes, the camping at Jacks Canyon, and how to get more information about Jacks Canyon, including the guidebook.

Directions to Jacks Canyon Rock Climbing

Jacks Canyon is easy to find, as long as careful attention is paid to watching mile markers and taking the proper dirt road. From Winslow, travel south on Highway 87 for 30 miles. The unmarked, right (west) turnoff for Jacks Canyon lies between mile marker 313 and 314, onto a dirt road. Immediately after turning, a gate is encountered. Be sure to close it securely after passing through.

After the gate, it’s a relatively easy path to follow to make it to the camping area. However, it’s here that folks tend to get lost, so take care. Stay on the most-traveled road, not veering off onto any less-traveled tracks, heading generally west with a few jogs to the north. After 1.2 miles, the campground should be in sight, complete with the outhouse. If not, backtrack and try again!

The Season for Jacks Canyon

Though rock climbing in Jacks Canyon is possible in any season, the best times are late spring and fall. In early springtime, flash floods can leave portions of the canyon completely inaccessible. Otherwise, the options of both sun-baked and shaded climbing make it climbable almost anytime it’s not flooded. Occasionally, however, high winds can render climbing unpleasant.

Recommended Rock Climbing Routes in Jacks Canyon

Jacks Canyon features mainly pocketed, steep, and short limestone sport climbs ranging from 5.5 to 5.13. Route difficulty often stems from required large/dynamic moves, but the climbing also includes some more crimpy, not-so-steep endeavors. Recommended routes from 5.6 to 5.12 (among the canyon's many worthy offerings) include the following:

Camping at Jacks Canyon

The camping at Jacks Canyon is pretty much ideal. An abundance of flat, level spots provide ample room for campers to spread out near the trails, all of which lead down to the canyon’s climbing. No water or trash pickup is available at this free Coconino National Forest camping area, but there is an outhouse.

For More Information about Rock Climbing in Jacks Canyon

Any rock climber planning a trip to this northern Arizona rock climbing area would do well to pick up a copy of the new Jacks Canyon sport climbing guide. This comprehensive guidebook, written by Jacks Canyon route developer Deirdre Burton, provides not only essential information about climbing in Jacks Canyon, but also other valuable info, such as where to shower, find Internet access, do laundry, eat, and so forth.

Located just 30 miles from Winslow, Arizona, Jacks Canyon is relatively easy to find. Late spring and fall are the best seasons to climb there. The area has more than 200 limestone sport climbs ranging from 5.5 to 5.13 in difficulty. The camping is free and ample. Purchasing the new Jacks Canyon guidebook will make for the most informed rock climbing trip.

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