| OverView |
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The Overlook is a basalt band along the rim of Oak Creek Canyon. The blocky basalt offers a mixture of face and crack climbing with grand views of Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona. The Overlook is also a popular tourist spot so watch out for tourists dropping or throwing things off of the cliffs.
The Routes tend to be 50 feet to 100 feet in length, offering less than vertical to overhanging routes with many features and good gear. The 80+ routes range in difficulty from 5.4 to 5.12. The classic lines tend to be between 5.8 and 5.10
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| Weather |
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The Weather is best in fall and spring, offering mild temperatures and clear skies. Winter can be cold unless you stay in the sun. The black basalt loves to absorb heat and will warm the hands and feet. Summers can be hot with thundershowers. Try climbing in the shade and early morning or evening. |
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| Camping |
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The Camping is free and unimproved in the National Forest above Oak Creek Canyon. If you see any No Camping signs please honor them. While camping clean up garbage and stay in obvious sites. There are pay campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon from mid spring through mid fall. Hotels, showers, and food are located in Sedona and Flagstaff.
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| Directions |
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The Overlook is located 10 miles south of Flagstaff along Highway 89A. Just before entering the switchbacks of Oak Creek Canyon, turn left and park at The Oak Creek Overlook. Walk to railed overlook of canyon and traverse left along the cliff top until a small trail travels to the bottom of cliff band. The parking area is gated and locked from 6pm to 8am. Park across the street and walk in to avoid this time constraint. Important: Climbing is illegal on the cliffs below the railed tourist viewing areas. |
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| Ethics |
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The Ethics at The Overlook are traditional climber friendly. Locals ask that no bolts be placed, there are many trees and cracks for anchors. Please be on best behavior. The climbing here is very high profile and if climbers make messes or are annoying tourists the area could be closed to climbing. |
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| Guide Books: |
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A Cheap Way to Fly by Tim Toula, Falcon Publishing, 1991.
Rock Climbing Arizona by Stewart Green, Falcon Publishing, 1999 |