Arizona · Rock climbing · Sedona · Near Kachina Village

Dark Ages

5.11+
grade
Trad Gear
style
Oct–May
best months

Is Dark Ages open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Coconino National Forest. It doesn't name Dark Ages, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Coconino National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

One of 14 routes catalogued at South Castle Tower, this climb sits at the top of the grade span found at the crag. First ascent by Patrick Kingsbury & Derek Field.

Around this trail

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

    Crescent Moon Ranch Cabin

    Campground

    The next 8 weekends are full on Recreation.gov
  • Eat after

    Red Chopstick

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 1 mi
  • If it rains

    Stan Rose Images

    Gallery

    On your way back · 5 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Kachina Village

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Nearby · Bell Rock / Courthouse Butte · Courthouse Butte · Village of Oak Creek
  • Best time to go · Oct–May

    Best time to visit Dark Ages

    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

      58° / 34°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      61° / 36°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      67° / 40°

      6 wet

    4. Apr

      75° / 44°

      3 wet

    5. May

      84° / 53°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      94° / 61°

      2 wet

    7. Jul

      97° / 68°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      94° / 67°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      89° / 61°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      79° / 51°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      67° / 41°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      58° / 33°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sedona, AZ, 7.3 mi away at 4,220 ft. The station sits about 600 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.

Photo of the crag

South Castle Tower — the crag this route is on
South Castle Tower, Arizona — this photo shows the crag, not this individual route.Photo: Michal Huniewicz, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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