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Arizona · Rock Climbing
Camp Verde sits in the Verde Valley at roughly 3,100 feet, which puts it in a sweet spot for year-round climbing that higher-elevation Arizona crags can't match.
9 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 9 spots
Camp Verde sits in the Verde Valley at roughly 3,100 feet, which puts it in a sweet spot for year-round climbing that higher-elevation Arizona crags can't match. The rock here is predominantly limestone and basalt, and the area around Thirteen Mile Rock draws climbers looking for single-pitch sport and trad routes without a long approach. The nine listed routes range from accessible lines like Corner Crack and Corner Left — good options for climbers still building crack technique — to more committing leads like Careless Smoker and Cyclops Dwarf. Henrie's Route and Poker Night round out a wall that rewards a full day rather than a quick stop. The climbing is concentrated enough that you can sample several routes in one session, which makes Camp Verde a practical destination rather than a pilgrimage. It's not a destination you'll find in most national guidebooks, but that's part of the appeal — the crowds that pile into Sedona's more famous areas largely skip this corridor, and you'll often have the rock to yourself on a weekday.
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable windows. Summers push well above 100°F in the Verde Valley, so early morning starts are essential if you climb in July or August — plan to be off the rock by 10 or 11 a.m. Winters are generally mild at this elevation, and many routes stay climbable on sunny days even in December and January.
Thirteen Mile Rock is the main climbing area listed for this zone and is accessible from the Camp Verde area via forest roads off the main highway corridor. A high-clearance vehicle is useful depending on recent road conditions, and you should check with the Coconino or Prescott National Forest offices for current access status before your trip, as road conditions can change seasonally.
Wet Beaver Crack
~20 min drive
Arizona crack climbing destination with solid rock and varied technical routes.
Cyclops Dwarf
Entry-level climb at Thirteen Mile Rock's lower end of the grade range.
Bottom Shelf Lick Her
~23 min drive
One of six routes in Copper Canyon at Central Arizona. First ascent by Joe Jenson.
Quickie Wall
~24 min drive
Compact Arizona crag with accessible climbing in a desert setting.
Poker Night
Mid-range climb among eight routes at Thirteen Mile Rock.
Anti-Crag
~25 min drive
Straightforward Arizona crag with accessible climbing for developing climbers.
Lefty
The hardest climb catalogued at Thirteen Mile Rock.
West Clear Creek
~25 min drive
Arizona desert canyon climbing with creek-side access and scenic walls.
Henrie’s Route
One of nine routes at Thirteen Mile Rock, near the top of the grade range.
Thirteen Mile Rock
Arizona desert crag with varied climbing and accessible routes.
Target Practice
One of the harder routes at Thirteen Mile Rock.
Corner Left
Lower-to-middle grade route among nine climbs at Thirteen Mile Rock.
The listed routes include crack climbs like Corner Crack and Corner Left that are well-suited to intermediate climbers working on technique, alongside harder leads like Careless Smoker and Cyclops Dwarf that will challenge more experienced climbers. If you're new to trad or crack climbing, the corner routes are a reasonable place to start before moving to the longer or more sustained lines.
A standard trad rack covering finger-to-hand-size pieces is appropriate for the crack routes. Bring a full set of quickdraws if any routes are bolted, but confirm protection style before you go since the listing data doesn't specify bolt counts. Sun protection, extra water, and approach shoes matter more here than at higher-elevation crags — the desert heat is the main hazard, not technical approach terrain.
The routes listed fall within National Forest land, which generally does not require a climbing-specific permit, but a recreation pass (such as the America the Beautiful pass) may be required for parking at trailheads. Regulations can change, so check directly with the relevant National Forest district office before your visit rather than assuming free access.
