Arizona Climbing
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I know many climbers back in Washington that would call it blasphemy to say there are mountains in Arizona. But there really are, you just need to lower your expectations a bit. It helps to say; where else can I enjoy a good scramble in December under 70 degree skies.
As a Western Washingtonian, the idea of climbing in this climate basically scared me. I?d feel safer on a glacier with no rope than a rocky slope with rattlesnakes. Moving to Utah gave me more exposure to dry climates. Now I find the variety of desert climbing very appealing.
What I have found with the higher Arizona mountain ranges is they are no different than others further north. Once you get higher in elevation, you hit nice cool pine forests and grassy meadows. Even the lower elevation hikes among the cacti can be pleasant in the winter. On your next vacation down to Arizona, don?t forget to spend a day hiking.
Arizona Trip Reports:
