Arizona · Rock climbing · Benson · Near Whetstone

Shallow End

25 routes
5.8 – 5.12c
Sport
Oct–May
best months

Is Shallow End open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra Vista Ranger District. It doesn't name Shallow End, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Sierra Vista Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Shallow End is a climbing area in the Sierra Vista Ranger District of Coronado National Forest in Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. It sits among a cluster of other climbing areas, including Swallow Wall, Celebrity Cave and Spine Cave, all about 0.1 mile away. The area is known for its sport climbing, with 25 routes spread across the surrounding rock. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Kartchner Caverns show April highs around 75°F and October highs around 78°F, while June and July average in the low to mid 90s. The routes here run from 5.8 up to 5.12c, with the median grade at 5.11c. Some of the named routes include 101 (5.8), Sun Salute (5.11a) and Shit'n Cactus (5.12c).

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Kartchner Caverns Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 4.6 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Bat Cave Café

    Restaurant

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    O.K. Corral

    Museum

    Museum · 21 mi from Whetstone

    Livery and horse corral in Tombstone, Arizona (1879-1888)

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Whetstone
  • Best time to go · Oct–May

    Best time to visit Shallow End

    Best months: October–May. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      59° / 33°

    2. Feb

      62° / 35°

    3. Mar

      69° / 40°

    4. Apr

      75° / 45°

    5. May

      84° / 52°

    6. Jun

      94° / 61°

    7. Jul

      91° / 65°

    8. Aug

      89° / 64°

    9. Sep

      86° / 59°

    10. Oct

      78° / 50°

    11. Nov

      68° / 39°

    12. Dec

      59° / 34°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Kartchner Caverns, AZ, 4.5 mi away at 4,690 ft. The station sits about 700 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (25)

Circus FreakFA: Steve Bleyl5.11Downward DogFA: Steve Bleyl5.11Robby the RobotFA: Steve Bleyl5.11-Forbidden PlanetFA: Steve Bleyl5.11+Paranoid AndroidFA: S Barron5.11aSun SaluteFA: Steve Bleyl5.11aToilet to TangoFA: Angel Mangual, Ben Smith and Dave Evans5.11b"I am the Eggplant"FA: Todd Ganglehoff5.11cFriendShit with BenefitsFA: Angel, Brett and Virginia5.11cHelium on The HipsFA: Steve Bleyl5.11cTequila Sunrise5.11cHesitation BluesFA: S Barron5.11dProcrastination ProclamationFA: John Winsley5.12Pss PssFA: B Norwood, P Piek5.12Splitting BambooFA: Steve Bleyl, Andrew Kornylak5.12Louder Than WordsFA: G Roberts5.12aTurtle HeadFA: Angel Mangual and Ben Smith5.12aJohnny on the SpotFA: G Roberts5.12bMorbiusFA: Steve Bleyl5.12bMost Painfull EliminationFA: G Roberts5.12cShit'n CactusFA: G Roberts5.12c101FA: Andrew Kornylak5.8MoonLight PokeyFA: Angel Mangual, Ben Smith and Evangeline5.8Grumpy Cat's RevengeFA: Ben Smith, Angel M, Brett Thompson, Evangeline5.8+Bumblebee PartyFA: Ben Smith, Brett Thompson, Angel M, Evangeline5.9