Gila County, Arizona is said to have some of the best exposed rock in the State of Arizona. The good news is that tons of it is great for pulling on! Granite, qaurtzite, dacite, basalt, limestone, sandstone, gneiss, monzonite, welded tuff, and a thousand other kinds of stone to pull down on.
Gila County has it all! Cracks of all sizes, wide, thin, edges, pockets, jugs, sport, trad, bouldering, big walls, no approach, big hike...whatever you're psyched about! The one thing we're a little short on in most areas is crowds, but that's a good thing.
We also have the best year 'round climbing possibilities in the country with crags at just about every elevation imaginable. Between that and the large percentage of sunny days, there isn't a whole lot more you could ask for!
Stewart Pocket Rock Climbing
Stewart Pocket is an undeveloped recreation and climbing area, located several miles southeast of Payson (Arizona) along East Granite Dells Road.
As the name implies, it is a scenic basin (pocket) surrounded by granite towers, boulders, domes and ridges.
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Boulder Mountain Rock Climbing
A series of granite bluffs, boulders, domes, ridges and walls in the Tonto National Forest at the far southern end of the Mazatzal Mountains. Many of the routes are concentrated on the south side of the highest western summit , which is one of four main crests that stretch westward greater than two miles from Mazatzal Divide.
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Workman Falls Rock Climbing
Workman falls is a 200 foot water fall that pours over a massive horse shoe shaped, quartzite bowl. The sounds of the water hitting the ground are memorizing and the views from atop the precipice are awesome. This is a secrete rock climbing adventure with a lot of bells and whistles. The fall is a great time due to the fall colors.
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East Verde River Rock Climbing
This is one of the most beautiful crags in all of Arizona, located just outside the mountain Town of Payson. Here you will find a route for just about every skill level. The area is beautiful with the East Verde river as the backdrop it doesn't get any better than this.
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Isolation Canyon Rock Climbing This serene canyon tucked behind Pine, AZ has been incised into beautiful quartzite by Pine Creek. The canyon walls offer routes from 1 to 4 pitches and the rock is bullet-hard and coated with lichen in a variety of striking colors. The rock is near-vertical and is incredibly featured, producing hundreds of routes. More Info
Christopher Creek Gorge Rock Climbing Just downstream from the Christopher Creek Campground, behind the RC Boy Scout ranch, is the start of the gorge. It has been a canyoneering experience for more than a decade and is one of Arizona's most popular rock climbing destinations. More Info
"The Homestead Rock" Rock Climbing
Known for it gargantuan size "The Homestead" is a one of a kind rock climbing experience. It is said to have the best moderates, best 10s and the best hardlines period. The Homestead is well bolted and has the best wilderness experience possible. The Road is a little sketchy but don't let that stop you from experiencing this gem. More Info
For more Gila County adventures be sure to visit discovergilacounty.com/outdoor-adventure