Rock climbing in Arizona means you have more exposed rocks than any other state in the US. While it isn’t all climbable, Arizona has the best year-round climbing with crags at nearly every elevation. Not to mention, Arizona has some underrated spots to adventure like the Petrified Forest National Park. From The Pit and Paradise Forks in the north, to the crags of the Watson Lake Dells in Prescott and Queen Creek Canyon just outside of Phoenix in the center, and then Mount Lemmon and Cochise Stronghold to the south near Tucson.
Arizona has a ton of climbing to choose from without the crowds. We found eight rock climbing guiding companies you should check out the next time you’re in Arizona looking for your next pitch.
Arizona Climbing Guides
About them:
Arizona Climbing Guides has a passion for adventure. Discovering the outdoors can be transformative and give deeper meaning to your life. That’s the driving force behind their mission: Mentorship. If they can help someone become the explorer they envision for themselves, then they’ve been successful. Whether you want to learn to rock climb, descend a technical canyon, or want to learn the skills to get up big multi-pitch climbing objectives, AZG is there to help you along your journey.
Location:
Based in Tucson Around.
Trip we want to take with them:
Private Full-Day Guiding in Phoenix (check it out here).
What you need to bring:
All climbing gear is provided. Bring comfortable clothing that won’t restrict movement, water, and any snacks appropriate for the length of the day.
Cost:
Starting at $175 per person when you choose a half-day group trip—up to $375 for individual full-day trip.
Social links:
Find them here:
https://climbingguidesarizona.com/
Arizona Rock & Canyon Adventures
About them:
The Arizona Rock & Canyon Adventures team is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service, ensuring your experience with them is unforgettable. Their Pro Team is comprised solely of Professional Instructors, Guides, and Members who have gone the distance to master the technical and leadership skills necessary to ensure safety and guarantee fun. Getting off the beaten path is not be a place where you should ever have to compromise or settle on guides or leaders. Every Arizona Rock & Canyon Pro Team Member has been independently assessed and certified by internationally recognized organizations to ensure they are technically sound and professional in their field of expertise.
Location:
Phoenix, Arizona
Trip we want to take with them:
3-Day Technical Canyoneering (check it out here)—The Level II Technical Canyoneering course builds upon the concepts learned in the Intro to Canyoneering course and provides an expanded technical skill set that can be utilized to increase efficiency and problem solving.
What you need to bring:
Make sure to have guide gratuity, bring lunch food with snacks & water, and personal hiking/climbing clothing and equipment.
Cost:
Currently they’re primarily scheduling private classes starting at $395 for the day for one person. For each additional person add $100 with no minimum requirement.
Social links:
Find them here:
https://www.azrockandcanyon.com/
Black Mountain Adventures
About them:
Black Mountain Adventures is the official guide service for Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, and Hiking at The Boulders Resort in Carefree, Arizona. They offer a variety of outdoor adventures, and can accommodate a wide range of fitness and skill levels — from the novice, to the weekend warrior, to the seasoned mountaineer.
Location:
Cave Creek, Arizona, but you have to be staying at The Boulders Mountain Resort.
Trip we want to take with them:
Majestic Granite—Experience the thrill of real rock climbing on the resort’s majestic granite. Their program is a genuine rock climbing experience, with natural routes rising up to 75 feet.
What you need to bring:
Wear athletic clothing suitable for the weather, and sturdy athletic shoes, snacks, and water.
Cost:
Varies
Social links:
Find them here:
https://blackmountainadventuresaz.com/
Gilmer Outdoor Adventures
About them:
Gilmer Outdoor Adventures provides groups and individuals opportunities to build teams and develop self-confidence through specially designed challenges and group initiatives. They believe that all people can benefit from adventure and custom design their programs to meet your group’s needs.
Location:
Prescott, Arizona but most in the Dells.
Trip we want to take with them:
Guided Climbing Trip—Their guides have a vast understanding of the Prescott area and enjoy sharing their local knowledge with their clients. From introductory routes with big holds to harder crack climbs and sporty routes, Prescott has it all and their guides know where to find it (check it out here).
What you need to bring:
Personal food and clothes, a signed waiver, and an understanding of the inherent risks associated with adventure activities.
Cost:
Varies
Social links:
Find them here:
https://www.gilmeroutdoor.com/
Granite Mountain Guides
About them:
Granite Mountain Guides is a locally owned and operated organization that prides itself on serving the local outdoor community and anyone that wishes to experience it for themselves. Focused on quality instruction and experiences while providing a positive, risk-managed environment to learn.
Location:
Prescott, Arizona but they operate in all possible locations in Arizona that are currently legal/where a permit is obtainable for commercial operations.
Trip we want to take with them:
A Golden Day on Gardener’s Wall — Gardener’s Wall is a climbing area located in the McDowell’s, just outside of Scottsdale, AZ. This specific wall is home to several classics of the Sonoran Preserve, including both single pitch and multi-pitch climbs for climbers of all levels.
What you need to bring:
Granite Mountain Guides provides all rock climbing gear (harness, helmet, rock shoes, etc.). Make sure to have guide gratuity, bring lunch food with snacks & water, and personal hiking/climbing clothing and equipment.
Cost:
Starts at $135 for 4-hour Courses & Trips, but they consistently offer discounts through Social Media or or their Email Newsletter.
Social links:
Find them here:
https://www.granitemtnguides.com/
Pangaea Mountain Guides
About them:
Pangaea Mountain Guides is an American Mountain Guide Association and Wilderness Medical Institute certified rock climbing guiding outfitter based out of Tucson, AZ. PMG guides in Coronado National Forest including Mount Lemmon, as well as in Douglas Ranger District including Cochise Stronghold. PMG is built on the immense experience and ambition of it’s guiding staff. With years of personal recreational knowledge of rock climbing and psyches to deliver the best service with an overarching safety emphasis, PMG provides clients with the optimal experience of rock climbing.
Location:
Tuscon, Arizona
Trip we want to take with them:
An Exposure Course—Their exposure course is intended for those seeking the vertical experience of rock climbing. There is less emphasis on the technical aspects and more emphasis on the experience and movement in climbing. Perfect for beginner climbers and those who are new to the sport.
What you need to bring:
Wear athletic clothing suitable for the weather, and sturdy athletic shoes, snacks, and water.
Cost:
Varies (starts at $100 per person for a group of 4+ for ½ day)
Social links:
Find them here:
http://www.pangaeamountainguides.com/index.html
Rappel Arizona
About them:
Rappel Arizona specializes in adventures with ropes. They love showing their clients the beautiful Sonoran desert at their private property site in Phoenix while rappelling, rock climbing, or traversing.
Location:
Phoenix, Arizona
Trip we want to take with them:
Zion package—This 3-4 hour package begins with an introductory rappel on their Cholla Boulder. The final Gila Rappel has you descending a 65ft vertical cliff (check it out here).
What you need to bring:
Classes include all equipment, private location with water and restrooms, and greatrock climbing phoenix instructors. Remember to bring snacks, water, and climbing attire.
Cost:
Starts at $345 for one person and gets cheaper the more people you include.
Social links:
Find them here:
StoneMan Climbing Company
About them:
StoneMan Climbing Co. was founded on the vision that climbing is not for the few and elite but is a fun activity that whoever wants to experience it can. Their experienced, knowledgeable guides (all are certified through PCGI or AMGA) are friendly, approachable, and happy to answer any questions you have. When their guides aren’t working, they’re climbing in local areas and abroad.
Location:
Phoenix, Tucson, and Cochise Stronghold, Arizona
Trip we want to take with them:
A private, 4-hour climbing trip to the McDowell Mountains.
Note: All of their trips are private and customized towards the climbers’ experience and interest.
What you need to bring:
All climbing gear is included (e.g. Specialized shoes, harness, helmet, etc.). They also provide snacks on the 2- and 4-hour trips and lunch on the 8-hour day. So, bring sunscreen, any additional snacks and water, and climbing attire.
Cost:
Starts at $99 for two hours for two people and goes up to $375 for a private, 8-hour tour. There are a lot of options between those two prices for number of people and time climbing.
