How to Stay Cool While Rock Climbing in the Desert During Summer
Jack's Canyon Main Wall. https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105812078/main-wall
Rock climbing in the desert can be an incredible experience, with its stunning landscapes and challenging routes. However, tackling those desert crags in the summer heat requires some strategic planning to keep cool and safe. Here are some tips to help you beat the heat and enjoy your climbing adventures in the southwestern U.S. desert:
1. Timing Is Everything
Choosing the right time of day can make a significant difference in your comfort level. Early mornings and evenings are typically cooler, so aim to climb during these times. Avoid the peak heat of midday when temperatures soar and the sun is relentless.
2. Chase Shade Like It's Treasure
In desert environments, shade is your best friend. Look for climbing areas that offer natural shade from rock formations or cliffs. Popular spots like Isolation Canyon near Pine, AZ or The Pit near Flagstaff, AZ have routes that benefit from natural shade, making them more comfortable during hot days.
3. Stay Hydrated and Fuel Up Right
Hydration and nutrition play crucial roles in staying cool and maintaining energy levels:
Drink Plenty of Water: Start hydrating well before you hit the rocks, and continue to drink water throughout your climb. Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly in the desert heat.
Electrolytes: Replenish electrolytes lost through sweating with sports drinks or electrolyte tablets to help prevent cramps and fatigue.
Snack Smart: Pack light, energy-rich snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars to keep your energy up without feeling weighed down.
4. Choose Your Clothing Wisely
Wearing lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing helps regulate body temperature and keeps you comfortable. Opt for light colors to reflect sunlight and avoid dark colors that absorb heat.
5. Utilize Cooling Techniques
Wet Bandana or Buff: Dip a bandana or Buff in water and wear it around your neck or over your head to help cool down through evaporation.
Cooling Towel: Invest in a cooling towel that stays cold for hours to wipe down your face and neck.
Desert Climbing Areas with Natural Shade
Certain climbing areas in the southwestern U.S. have higher elevations or routes offering more shade. Check the details of the sun position and plan an early morning or late evening session:
Red Rock Canyon, Nevada: Famous for its sandstone cliffs and numerous routes that offer shade throughout the day.
Joshua Tree National Park, California: Offers granite formations with shaded routes and higher elevations that provide relief from the heat.
City of Rocks, New Mexico: Features volcanic rock formations that provide natural shade and cooler climbing conditions.
The Northern Arizona Climbers Coalition is a great resource for climbing in Northern AZ, with various events and crag-related updates available throughout the year. Check them out!
Conclusion
Rock climbing in the desert during the summer can be challenging but immensely rewarding. By planning ahead, staying hydrated, seeking shade, and choosing the right time of day, you can enjoy your climbing adventures while keeping cool and safe. Remember to respect the desert environment and leave no trace of your visit. With these tips, you're ready to conquer those desert crags and savor the unique beauty of southwestern rock climbing!
With these strategies in mind, you can make the most of your desert climbing adventures while staying cool and safe. Enjoy the journey and the climb!
Sources:
Climbing Magazine. How and Where to Climb in the Heat. Retrieved from https://www.climbing.com/skills/how-and-where-to-climb-in-the-heat/
Jack’s Canyon Main Wall Image. https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105812078/main-wall
Meet Gecko’s New Head Routesetter, Joe Lovin
We have a new-to-us head routesetter as of this week - meet Joe Lovin!
Joe comes to us most recently from Colorado. He and his wife were looking for a new adventure and Arizona was calling, so after checking out Tucson he made his way to Phoenix, stumbled upon Gecko, and fell in love with the gym and the community. In his own words:
“Hailing from the plains of Iowa, dreams of westward adventures drew me to Colorado in 2018 where I discovered my love for climbing. In my free time, I can be found going for trail runs or hikes with my wife and dogs Pepper and Eldo, recording folk music, reading, or grilling something delicious! Some of my favorite climbs include Original Route, Price for Fire, Cryogenics, and Time Wave Zero. I favor a playful setting style in hopes to challenge you to leverage your mind power in figuring out the best solution, and can't wait to serve the Phoenix climbing community the best way I can!”
A few things to know about Joe:
He sees setting as an art form. He describes himself as a creative whose medium is movement in space. We “climb with our eyes first,” so presentation is important to him.
He’s experienced, having worked on the walls of a gym in Colorado that partially inspired Gecko’s wall design!
He’s helped develop crags in Colorado including Piedra Canyon near Pagosa Springs and Castlewood Canyon near Denver - and he contributed to the guidebook for Castlewood Canyon.
Gecko already feels like home to him!
Next time you’re in the gym, look for him and say hello! We’re excited to welcome him to the Gecko family.
Rock Climbing Together: Strengthening Family Bonds and Building Confidence
Rock climbing together as a family has a ton of physical, emotional, and psychological benefits for climbers of all ages.
Looking for a fun and fulfilling activity that the whole family can enjoy together? Look no further than rock climbing! Whether you're scaling the walls of Gecko Climbing Gym or tackling outdoor crags, rock climbing offers a host of benefits for families, from physical fitness to psychological well-being. Let's explore why rock climbing as a family is a fantastic idea.
Developmental Benefits for Young Children:
Physical Development: Rock climbing is a full-body workout that helps children develop strength, coordination, and balance. Climbing involves using both large muscle groups and fine motor skills, making it an excellent activity for overall physical development.
Problem-Solving Skills: Climbing routes present a series of challenges that require problem-solving and critical thinking. Children learn to assess the best path to reach the top, strategize their moves, and adapt to changing situations—all valuable skills that translate to other areas of life.
Confidence Building: Successfully climbing a route boosts children's self-esteem and confidence. Overcoming obstacles and achieving goals—whether it's reaching the top of the wall or mastering a difficult move—helps children develop a sense of accomplishment and resilience.
Does your young climber LOVE their time on the wall? Have you considered a trial with one of our Youth Climbing teams?
Psychological Benefits for the Whole Family:
Bonding Time: Rock climbing provides an opportunity for families to bond and connect in a unique and exciting way. Working together to belay, encourage, and support each other fosters trust, communication, and teamwork within the family unit.
Stress Relief: Climbing can be a great stress reliever for both children and adults. The physical activity releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress levels. Plus, the focus required to climb helps quiet the mind and provides a mental escape from everyday worries.
Sense of Achievement: Climbing challenges families to push their limits and step outside their comfort zones. Whether it's trying a new route or conquering a fear of heights, achieving personal goals together fosters a sense of achievement and strengthens family bonds.
Did you know that you can host family parties and events at Gecko? It’s a great way to share your love of climbing and introduce family and friends to all the benefits of our sport.
Climbing Technique Tips for Young Climbers:
Use Your Feet: Encourage young climbers to focus on using their feet to push themselves up the wall rather than relying solely on their arms. Proper footwork helps conserve energy and maintain balance.
Keep Your Body Close to the Wall: Teach children to keep their bodies close to the wall as they climb. This helps distribute their weight more evenly and improves stability, making it easier to reach for holds and maintain control.
Now, let's hear from some experts in child development and family dynamics about the benefits of rock climbing as a family:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
According to the AAP, physical activities like rock climbing are essential for children's healthy development. Rock climbing promotes physical fitness, coordination, and confidence while providing opportunities for social interaction and skill-building.
Psychology Today:
Psychology Today emphasizes the psychological benefits of outdoor activities for families. Engaging in activities like rock climbing promotes bonding, communication, and emotional well-being, leading to stronger family relationships and overall happiness.
Rock and Ice Magazine:
Rock and Ice Magazine highlights the unique challenges and rewards of rock climbing as a family. Climbing together fosters a sense of adventure, exploration, and shared accomplishment, creating lasting memories and strengthening familial bonds.
So there you have it, families! Rock climbing is not just a thrilling adventure; it's also a fantastic way to promote physical fitness, boost confidence, and strengthen family bonds. So grab your gear, hit the gym or the crag, and embark on an unforgettable climbing journey together. Your family's next adventure awaits! 🧗♂️👨👩👧👦
Member Spotlight: Aaron and Hazel
Meet Aaron and Hazel, a father-daughter duo that started their rock climbing journey at Gecko Climbing Gym when we opened three years ago in Phoenix, AZ.
We love our Gecko family - and today we’d like to introduce you to two familiar faces you have likely seen hanging around together at Gecko. Meet Aaron and his daughter Hazel! They’ve been part of the community at Gecko Climbing Gym since we first opened our doors, and they’re part of what makes Gecko so special. They started climbing together when we opened three years ago, and it’s been so cool to see them get stronger as climbers together.
We interviewed these two to learn a little more about them and why they climb. Next time you see them at the gym, make sure to say hi!
What is a personal climbing (or related) goal of yours?
Aaron: Be able to send most Gecko 5.10 lead routes by the end of 2024.
Hazel: One climbing goal of mine is to not outgrow my 3 pairs of climbing shoes, or else my dad won't let me climb any more.
Why do you climb?
Aaron: I climb to have a break from the daily grind, compliment mountain biking as physical exercise, and to spend time with Hazel (and more of my family when they come). It's good for my soul to get away from life's stresses and to be present in the moment with a problem to solve around people trying to do something similar.
Hazel: Climbing is really the first sport I've done. I did dance for 3 years and one season of gymnastics, but clearly those didn't stick. It had been a while since I'd done any sport and one day I went up to my dad and told him I wanted to try rock climbing. This was before Gecko had opened. He looked into it and saw that there was a climbing gym opening in a few months. I got so excited and couldn't wait so one Sunday my dad, my older brother, and I went to check the place out and see if we could help out to somehow speed up the process so it would open sooner. When we arrived all the walls were already constructed and bare, not a hold in sight. We asked the owner, Chris, if we could sweep the floors or do anything to help out and he tasked us with painting the kid wall. And that's how we spent our Sunday afternoon and the gym opened a couple of months later. All my family started out climbing, my mom and dad as well as my 3 siblings and I. After not even one month my dad broke his ankle bouldering and therefore couldn't climb while he healed. As the months passed slowly our climbing family dwindled to just me and then when my dad got better he continued climbing and we've been doing it ever since. Those few months did cost him some time he could have used to outclimb me but unfortunately, he hasn't been able to surpass my flexibility and just general more natural coordination. It does pain me to say that now and then he sends a route before me though clearly, it's because of his height. Just kidding, you're getting better Dad. I climb because it's all about my skill level and pushing myself, I'm not letting anyone down if I lose. You can always progress in climbing, there's never an endpoint, and there are so many places in the world you can access once you learn to climb.
Who/what inspires you?
Aaron: The outdoors, and especially mountains, give me a sense of awe, stillness, and adventure. I love how beauty comes from irregular shapes in nature and time can sometimes stand still or rush by depending on the situation. My greatest memories come from being outdoors with people I've come to care about.
Hazel: My dad. He pushes me because I always have to be better. He stole my tactic though. When he can't get a route, I always tell him either "one more time" or "I'm not letting you down til you get that move." There is a 5.10 in the cave that was really frustrating me because of one move. He had already passed me and was a few clips ahead of me in his progress and I was really disappointed in myself. I tried for weeks to get that one move to no avail. I tried all the beta people suggested but it didn't get me past the move. One day he stole my line and told me I had to get the next hold or I would be stuck up there, so I did. And I got it with static beta that no one else had done, even though it was a bit sloppy I got it. Love you Dad, and thanks for always pushing me.
How do you like to spend your time when you're not climbing?
Aaron: Mountain biking, making pizza, playing with family, and tinkering in the garage.
Hazel: I like reading, watching movies and shows, and absolutely whooping my brother's butts in both Mario Kart and Food Mess. I also enjoy art of any form and shopping online for endless outfits.
What advice would you give to a brand new climber, entering the gym or crag for the very first time?
Aaron: Talk to people and know just about everyone is there to help each other regardless of their level.
Hazel: Even if it feels hard or scary, keep at it and give it more tries. Ask for help when you need it, everyone is very kind and eager to share, I've yet to meet someone at Gecko who isn't.
What is your favorite Arizona destination (any kind), and why do you love it?
Aaron: I don't have just one. Just about anywhere that's remote and awe-inspiring. I've seen a lot of places on climbing, hiking, and biking adventures, but there are never-ending places to explore in Arizona. Some of my favorite places right now are the north rim of the Grand Canyon for its grandeur and remoteness, West Clear Creek for its unsuspecting beauty, Black Canyon Trail because I've combined mountain biking and rock climbing there, and the hills of Sonoran Preserve for their familiarity and closeness.
Hazel: It's so hard to pick just one, Arizona has such a variety of outdoor adventures, but I'll say Atlantis. I recently went for the first time and loved it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Gecko community?
Aaron: Keep climbing!
Hazel: Thanks for being so inclusive and cheering us on!
Embarking on an Adventure: Exploring Queen Creek Canyon's Top Sport Climbing Routes
Queen Creek Canyon, AZ, contains a range of sport crags and routes ranging from moderate to hard. The crags are located in a picturesque setting outside of Superior, AZ.
Are you ready to embark on a journey to one of the most exhilarating rock climbing destinations in the Southwest? Welcome to Queen Creek Canyon, Arizona, where the rugged beauty of the desert landscape meets the adrenaline-pumping challenge of world-class sport climbing routes. Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Superstition Mountains, Queen Creek Canyon boasts a plethora of climbing crags that will leave you in awe and craving for more!
First things first, let's talk about the sheer magnificence of this place. Picture yourself surrounded by towering rock formations, their fiery hues illuminated by the warm Arizona sun. As you ascend the jagged cliffs, you're treated to panoramic views of the vast desert landscape stretching out before you. It's a breathtaking sight that will make you feel truly alive. It’s hard to believe this rock climbing spot isn’t far outside of Phoenix!
New to outdoor climbing? Have you considered upskilling and taking our Lead Climbing class? This is one class offered through Gecko’s Climbing Academy that will help you transition from gym climber to outdoor climber!
Now, let's delve into what makes Queen Creek Canyon a sport climbing paradise. With crags like The Pond, Atlantis, Lower Devil's Canyon, and Apache Leap, climbers of all skill levels will find routes to challenge and inspire them. Whether you're a beginner honing your skills or a seasoned climber seeking the ultimate thrill, Queen Creek Canyon has something for everyone.
The Pond: This picturesque climbing area features a variety of routes ranging from easy to challenging. Here are three of the most popular sport climbing routes at The Pond:
Pocket Puzzle (5.10a): A steep route with fun, sustained climbing on decent-sized holds.
Pocket Warmer (5.6): A great route for new climbers or a warm-up for more seasoned climbers, with great holds and clipping positions.
The Big Weld Show (5.11a): Varied route with dynamic moves, thin edges, and big juggy holds.
Atlantis: Dive into the depths of adventure at Atlantis, where you'll find an array of steep, technical climbs that will test your strength and skill. Here are three of the most popular sport climbing routes at Atlantis:
The Trident (5.9): A three-pitch route with an easier first pitch, leading to a more challenging start at the last pitch.
Neptune (5.10a): Good holds, varied climbing - a classic!
Ali Cat (5.7): A fairly steep route full of jugs and good feet the whole way.
Lower Devil's Canyon: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Lower Devil's Canyon offers steep, exposed routes that will push you to your limits. Here are three of the most popular sport climbing routes at Lower Devil's Canyon:
Eyes of the World (5.11a): Sustained, picturesque climbing on a 115’ route.
The Totem Pole (5.10c/d): Climb this thin tower with an amazing view!
Accelerated Climbology (5.9): Okay so this isn’t a sport route, but it’s a fun trad route with both face and crack climbing and is worth checking out if you are a trad climber.
Apache Leap: Named after the legendary Apache warrior who leaped from its cliffs to escape capture, this iconic climbing area offers a mix of traditional and sport routes. While known more for its traditional climbs, here are three cool sport routes at Apache Leap:
Geronimo (5.7): A two-pitch sport route on an arete with amazing views.
Knotty Tower (5.9+): A beautiful tower climb.
Ussen (5.10b/c): A six-pitch, 600 ft route including arete, face, and roof moves!
Now, let's talk about what else Queen Creek Canyon has to offer besides epic climbing. After a day of conquering the cliffs, why not explore the charming town of Superior? Located just a stone's throw away from the canyon, Superior is home to a variety of local businesses that cater to climbers.
DeMarco's Pizzeria: Refuel after a long day of climbing with a mouthwatering pizza from DeMarco's. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious pies, it's the perfect spot to unwind and share stories of your adventures on the rocks.
Superior Farmer’s Market: If you’re in the area on a Saturday, consider strolling through the farmer’s market that takes place year-round in the heart of town. Stock up on crag snacks and peruse the local wares.
Porter's Saloon and Grill: End your day on a high note with a hearty meal at Porter's. Whether you're craving a juicy burger or a refreshing drink, this local favorite has got you covered.
Do you need a rope, quickdraws, or other gear to take your love of climbing outside? Remember that Gecko carries a selection of outdoor climbing gear, and members get 10% off retail purchases. We’re not only a gym - we’re one of the climbing stores serving Phoenix!
So there you have it, folks! Queen Creek Canyon is not just a climbing destination; it's an experience you'll never forget. From the stunning beauty of its rock formations to the exhilarating challenge of its routes, this desert oasis has something for everyone. So pack your gear, gather your friends, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 🧗♂️🌵
And don't forget to check out these local businesses in Superior for some pre- or post-climbing fun!
Queen Creek Canyon Climbing Areas:
Source: Mountain Project - Queen Creek Canyon
Information about the Town of Superior, Arizona:
Source: Town of Superior, Arizona - Official Website
Local Businesses in Superior, Arizona:
Source:
DeMarco's Pizzeria - Facebook Page