Winslow Wall

First things first...
I cant believe it took me sooo long to check out the Winslow Wall. Unbelievable.



But recently I finally made it out to do some climbing and check out the area before the Summer temperatures really kicked in.

The Winslow Wall is located just South of Winslow in upper E. Clear Creek Canyon. Most people that head to this area are looking to do some swimming and cliff jumping at the near by reservoir (mostly cowboys and beer). But just a short hike to the south is one of Northern Arizona's most scenic and interesting climbing areas. Full of crazy descents, amazing rock features, flowing water, and exciting rock climbing.

The approach is exciting in itself. You start by driving out into what appears to be the middle of the desert when out of no where comes a huge scar in the earth. Once you start walking the approach trail you quickly realize how deep the canyon really is. 180+ foot tall walls... and only half that wide. You then have to start scrambling down a slightly steep gully to reach the rappel station entrance.

Making our way down the gully

Rappel stations can sometimes be a bit sketchy but I was psyched to see that the station was well kept with healthy looking hardware and some newer ropes to rap off with (thanks to whoever you are).

Looking up at the rappel

Once you are on the ground you are instantly transported into rad beauty! Clear flowing water flowing measly through the canyon walls that tower over you. Green grasses and colorful flowers lining all of the swirling pools of water. And a seemingly endless amount of climbing potential.

Smiling big.

We were a little pressed for time once we realized how long it took us to get there, get in and get ready. So we quickly geared up, chose out climbs, and got to warming up. I chose to head up one of the few easy climbs in the area which was an amazing low angle slab. After a surprisingly hard first few moves off the ground the rest of the climbing was stellar.
Amazing features everywhere!
Each move higher seemed to bring new and crazy holds. The sandstone rock quality felt a bazillon times stronger than some of the sandstone climbing I had been doing all winter down in Sedona. One of my favorite features where the crazy amounts of black patina all over the walls...
really fun but a bit unnerving to be pulling on.

After wondering around a bit...
looking at the huge walls...
dipping our feet in the cool water...
wondering around a bit more...
eating and climbing easy...

we decided to jump on one of the moderates in the area called "The Winsloner"

Since I had not been to the area before I was pretty psyched to jump on it and try to do it first try without falling. Onsight climbing has been a favorite of mine lately. There is something about not knowing whats a head of you, whats going to be hard or where the good holds are. It gets me all fired up! (Its actually fun) It is also a great feeling to be able to figure out difficult sections and keep moving up without leaving the wall.

The climb went well and I really enjoyed my time on the climb. I took my time through all of the tough sections and really used the good rests to my advantage (super balancy no handers!). The climb had tons of super fun techy moves up one of the tallest walls in the area. I was psyched when I finally made it to anchors without falling. It felt like I was on that thing forever... maybe 20 minutes?

Chris practicing the patients of a
belaying monk

Not quite there
still 2 more bolts.

After some more time just enjoying our afternoon in such an amazing place we decided it was time to head back to Flag. I would have to say that the hardest part of the day was probably hauling up that dang rap line back to the top of the cliff after a day of climbing.

I still cant believe it took me so long to get out to the Winslow Wall!
An unbelievable location with something to distract you every moment of the day!
Overall an amazing place.

Getting one last look in
before we head out