Oak Flat
Campground
Campground · 2.7 mi from the trail
Arizona · Rock climbing · Kearny · Near Superior
The Bulges
- 5 routes
- 5.6 – 5.10c
- Trad
- Oct–Apr
- best months
The Bulges is a climbing area in Arizona on county land within a proposed open space, about 3 miles from the town of Superior. It sits among a cluster of climbing areas, with Shadow Buttresses and The Torch each about 0.1 mile away and Penguinland Area about 0.2 mile off. The area is managed by the county and is part of a larger network of climbing spots in the region. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from the nearby Superior weather station show March highs around 72°F and November highs around 72°F, while July highs reach about 99°F. That station sits roughly 1,300 feet lower than the Bulges, so temperatures on the rock run cooler. The routes here are all trad, with grades ranging from 5.6 to 5.10c. The easiest are 1923 and 3RNs at 5.6, and the hardest is Octabulgey at 5.10c. Dr. No Way and You Only Nest Twice are both 5.10.
Around this trail
Add any of these when you start a tripSleep close Eat after Jalapeños
Restaurant
On your way back · 3 mi · Open after 6If it rains Celia Blaylock aka Mattie Earp Grave Site
Attraction
In town
Places © OpenStreetMap contributors
More in SuperiorBest time to go · Oct–Apr
Best time to visit The Bulges
Best months: October–April. 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.
Jan
62° / 44°
5 wet
Feb
65° / 46°
6 wet
Mar
72° / 49°
5 wet
Apr
78° / 55°
2 wet
May
87° / 64°
2 wet
Jun
97° / 73°
2 wet
Jul
99° / 77°
5 wet
Aug
97° / 76°
7 wet
Sep
93° / 72°
4 wet
Oct
84° / 63°
3 wet
Nov
72° / 52°
3 wet
Dec
62° / 44°
4 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Superior, AZ, 3.6 mi away at 2,860 ft. The station sits about 1,300 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
Keep exploring — more climbs worth the drive
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Shadow Buttresses
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The Torch
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The Torch in Arizona offers 11 climbing routes across 7 grades in sport and trad styles.
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Penguinland Area
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Talon's Grip Area
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The Roost Area
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