Rising from a sea of privatized housing in the North Scottsdale, Pinnacle Peak is a collection of some of classic climbing of the area. Once Arizona State Trust Land, the 150 acres of park is the product of years of tenuous bargaining and political entanglements with the city of Scottsdale. What we got in return was one of the most visited climbing parks in the Phoenix region. The Arizona Mountaineering Club and the climbing community have been crucial to the development of the region, encouraging the city to designate the area as a popular climbing destination in 2002. Complete with the 200 foot main rock formation, plus several smaller climbing formations, this park is a full day of climbing for beginners and seasoned veterans alike.
Areas Within Pinnacle Peak:
- MAIN PINNACLE PEAK
- AMC BOULDER
- LOAFERS CHOICE
- THE WEDGE
- Y CRACK BOULDERS
- CACTUS FLOWER EAST
To Access: From the 101 heading north, get off on Pima Road heading north and take it to Happy Valley Road and head east to Alma School. Travel North on Alma School following the signs to Pinnacle Peak Park entrance. Be prepared for parking lot wars as you navigate the entrance.
Physical address:
26802 N. 102nd Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
480-312-0990
Hours of Operation:Dawn to dusk. Hours are strictly enforced
Tickets are issued promptly so make sure you adhere to posted notice.
Our Favorites Include:
- SOUTH CRACK (5.3) Summit Route, Main Formation
- BIRTHDAY PARTY (5.7) Lower Headwall
- HIGHLIGHTER (5.7) The Wedge
TIP: The climbing in this region is granite, with finger and off-width cracks climbs, and of course the huge chimney that houses South Crack, the park’s easiest summit climb. A full rack is necessary, and bring extra slings on some of the wandering crack routes to the summit.
Note: Because of the privatized housing surrounding the area, the lower East Wall is currently off limits and climbing is banned.
The main trail up to the Summit is 1.75 miles each way – the trip to Cholla Mountain is about a 1/4 of a mile longer. The climber trail is well marked (see pic above) and is the steep alternative to the base of the Main Pinnacle Peak formation, the Wedge and the the upper climbs. Look for it on the left side of the trail. Be careful of disturbing this fragile environment by staying on the established trails and avoiding erosion.