Northern Arizona Rock Climbing

The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a rock climbers' heaven that catches the attention many people. The most well-liked site for this is amongst the hoodoos, cliffs and narrow slots, where the potential rock climbing combinations are immense. However, as this is backcountry, climbers are urged to check conditions before starting their adventures.

The Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) has its own answer to the sport of rock climbing. It is one of the few parks in the country that even allows climbing tours. In fact, it has become the main hub of climbing activity over the past thirty years as more and more trails are opened up across its huge area.

The canyon's diversity is second to none. Slit type mini canyons, towering cliff faces and large and sometimes formidable boulders create not only challenges for climbers, but sometimes potential dangers. Climbing is encouraged, but during rainy seasons or after storms, rangers are quick to stop anyone attempting a slippery climb up a rock face because the risk of falling is extremely high.

Some climbers use the canyon as their starting point, spending days, even weeks, extending their trips beyond the park's borders, and heading for nearby mountains or simply just crossing one after the other in the pursuit of self-satisfaction. However, the Grand Canyon operators are very strict regarding overnight trips of any kind into the backcountry. So it is vital to get a permit and detailed weather as well as climbing conditions information from the local visitor center before starting out.