Northern Arizona Rock Climbing – "The Pit"

Rock Climbers Can Enjoy Limestone Sport Climbing near Flagstaff, AZ

May 2, 2009

Learn about the Flagstaff, Arizona rock climbing area called The Pit. Information includes directions, when to climb at The Pit, recommended routes, camping, and more.

Situated just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, The Pit holds roughly 100 bolted limestone sport climbs. In this article, find out how to get to The Pit, the best season to climb there, recommended climbing routes, camping at The Pit, and how to find more information.

Directions to Climbing in The Pit

The Pit is easy to find. From Flagstaff, drive southeast on Lake Mary Road (Forest Highway 3) for 6 miles. Watch for a sign on the left (east) side of the road for Canyon Vista Campground. Park here. The relatively short trail to the climbing area leaves from the north side of the campground. Please stay on the trail and obey all signs.

The Best Season for Climbing at The Pit

This Northern Arizona climbing area features the best of all worlds as far as climbing season goes. In the winter, the crags get full sunshine for much of the day. By summer, the sun has moved enough in the sky to render The Pit almost fully shaded by 2 p.m. Still, like most U.S. climbing areas, The Pit’s best seasons are spring and fall.

Recommended Rock Climbing Routes

The Pit’s extremely featured limestone sport climbs vary in both length and angles. Climbing at The Pit ranges from 5.9 to 5.14-. Easier routes (5.10 and under) often have enormous pockets and jugs, while harder routes range from short-n-steep, crimpy, four-bolt boulder problems to the long and varied challenges presented on The White Wall.

A handful of recommended routes from 5.9 to 5.13 (among many worthy offerings) include the following:

Camping at The Pit

There are two main options for camping at The Pit. One involves camping at the Coconino National Forest campground (Canyon Vista Campground), where the trail to the climbing area departs. This campground is open May 1 through October 15, has a 14-day camping limit, and costs $16/night (one vehicle/eight-person limit). Another option is the free, primitive camping available just up the road near the popular bouldering area called Priest Draw (off of F.R. 132/South Crimson Road).

For More Information about Rock Climbing at The Pit

For a free, downloadable basic guide to climbing at The Pit, visit Dr. Topo. The Pit is also included in a number of other Arizona rock climbing guides, which provide more extensive, updated, and/or complete route information. These include Rock Climbing Arizona, by Stewart M. Green (Falcon, 1999); $23.95.

Northern Arizona Rock Climbing at The Pit

Located just 6 miles outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, The Pit is easy to find. Climbing is possible in all seasons, with spring and fall being the best. The Pit has about 100 limestone sport climbs ranging from 5.9 to 5.14- in difficulty. The Pit has two main camping options. A free Dr. Topo guide is available, or climbers can choose to purchase a more detailed guidebook to climbing at The Pit.

The copyright of the article Northern Arizona Rock Climbing – "The Pit" in Rock Climbing is owned by Alli Rainey. Permission to republish Northern Arizona Rock Climbing – "The Pit" in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.