| Grand Canyon Rock Climbing |
Although most of the Grand Canyon is unfit for rock climbing because of the soft chaucey rock, there are several established sport and trad climbing areas in the Park, as well as some bouldering. Most of the established routes are in the Area are around Grand Canyon Village. There are also several classic routes in the inner Grand Canyon. Although the soft sedimentary formations of the Canyon are a big reason why a place with so much exposed rock is not a climbing mecca, access also has a lot to do with it. For those willing to put in the time, there are still first ascents available below the rim.
The climbs in the Grand Canyon village area are composed of Kaibab Limestone. Near the Bright Angel trail there are several short sport climbs with limited bolts, but fairly good anchor points. There are also a couple (literally) boulder problems here. More of these types of climbs can be found further east on Desert View Drive. The classic Inner Canyon Ascent is without doubt Zoroaster Temple. This stout 5.9 requires strenuous approach of a day or more each way for the average human, which almost guarantees solitude for those who make it. Check out the Falcon Guide to Rock Climbing Arizona to get more info.
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