Arizona · Rock climbing · Oak Creek Canyon · Near Kachina Village

Switchbacks Overlook

Switchbacks OverlookPhoto: Coconino National Forest, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
6 routes
5.8 – 5.11
Trad
May–Jul, Sep
best months

Is Switchbacks Overlook open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Red Rock Ranger District. It doesn't name Switchbacks Overlook, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

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

Switchbacks Overlook is a climbing area in Arizona's Coconino National Forest, on the Red Rock Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the area sits close to several other climbing spots and trails, making it an easy addition to a day of rock and riding in the district. The climbing here is all trad, and the six routes range from 5.8 to 5.11 on the YDS scale. The most straightforward options are Purple Mirkin and Tarantula Crack, both at 5.8, while Glitter Balls is the hardest at 5.11. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mund's Park run to highs around 69°F in May and 76°F in September, with fewer wet days than in July and August, when rain falls more often. Lower Pumphouse Wash is just 0.2 miles away, and The Overlook and Oak Creek Vista are each about half a mile off. For an overnight stay, Pine Flat Campground West is under a mile away.

Around this trail

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

    Pine Flat Campground West

    Campground

    Campground · 0.8 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Chipotle

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Mess Hall

    Museum

    Museum · 8.4 mi from Kachina Village

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Kachina Village
  • Best time to go · May–Jul, Sep

    Best time to visit Switchbacks Overlook

    Best months: May–July and September. 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

      46° / 17°

      7 wet

    2. Feb

      47° / 19°

      7 wet

    3. Mar

      53° / 23°

      7 wet

    4. Apr

      60° / 27°

      4 wet

    5. May

      69° / 34°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      79° / 40°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      83° / 49°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 50°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      76° / 41°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 31°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 22°

      5 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 16°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mund'S Park, AZ, 7.9 mi away at 6,470 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (6)

Keep exploring — more climbs worth the drive

Lower Pumphouse WashPhoto: USDAgov, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Lower Pumphouse Wash

Next door

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The OverlookPhoto: InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

The Overlook

Next door

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Ultimates West

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