| OverView |
| |
West Elden is the spot for quick sessions for trads in the Flagstaff area. This limited area is full of classic, high quality routes and boulders with good views. Finishing a route rewards the climber with a view of the ponderosa pine forests surrounding Mt. Elden. The rock is dacite, a coarse rock similar to granite, so tape up the hands when sampling the cracks.
The Routes are highly featured crack routes and some face routes ranging from 5.2 to 5.12. West Elden offers 30 + routes with the highest quality routes in the range of 5.4 to 5.10 |
| |
|
| Weather |
|
The Weather is best during the spring and fall with conditions dry and warm. Winter is freezing because the cliff faces west and is shaded by trees. Summer can be hot with afternoon thundershowers so climb in the morning or evening. |
| |
| Camping |
| |
The Camping is best a couple of miles up Shultz Pass Rd. All the camping is unimproved and free. Please clean up garbage and dispose of human waste. Hotels, showers, and food are located in Flagstaff 15 minutes away. Do not camp at the climbing area.
|
| |
| Directions |
| |
West Elden is located 15 minutes north of Flagstaff. Take Highway 180 north toward The Grand Canyon. Just after the Northern Arizona Museum turn right on Shultz Pass Rd. Follow Shultz Pass Rd. for .5 miles and then turn right onto Elden Lookout Rd. Follow Elden Lookout Rd. for 2.7 miles and park. The rock will be on the right side of the road. |
| |
| Ethics |
| |
The ethics at West Elden are traditional climber friendly. There are plenty of cracks and trees for anchoring and protection. Bolting is generally not accepted here. |
| |
| Guide Books: |
| |
A Cheap Way to Fly by Tim Toula, Falcon Publishing, 1991. |