Covid measures in Cochise, AZ

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Cochise, AZ, please refer to the Arizona Office of Tourism webpage. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get in this adventure package: An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4 or 6 hours of rock climbing each day (depending on your chosen itinerary) All technical climbing gear What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations Food and snacks

How fit do I need to be?

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

Cochise has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun! For intermediate to advanced climbers, Cochise has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

What about required equipment?

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need: Helmet Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag Ropes Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them) Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.) Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (can be provided by your guide) Water bottle Food you can eat on-the-go Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: Group size for group climbing is usually between 2–6 people with one guide. Group size for private climbing with a guide is 1 guest and 1 guide. Cost is per person and doesn’t change as the group size increases. Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Teens aged 14-17 can go on their own, but a guardian will need to provide a signed waiver before an outing with the guide. Kids younger than 14 can go climbing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Cochise Stronghold, most people fly into Tucson International Airport (TUS), an hour and a half from the climbing site. From there, you can rent a car. The east Stronghold is easily accessible to any passenger car. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet — either at the climbing area’s parking lots or nearby markets/coffee shops. From there, you’ll head to the crag and begin your day of climbing!

Two people preparing for climbing Cochise Stronghold

Two people getting ready for climbing Cochise Stronghold

Woman smiling while climbing Cochise Stronghold

Man smiling while climbing Cochise Stronghold

Two people resting on Cochise Stronghold

Cochise Stronghold | Arizona

Rock Climbing at Cochise Stronghold

5.00 ()

Season

Year-round

Nearest city

Tucson, AZ, is 1.5 hours away from the climbing area

Duration

1 day

Skill level

Beginner to advanced

Guides

Jayci Ferrimani, Arizona Climbing Guides

From $175 () / 1 day

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Cochise Stronghold offers world-class rock climbing for all ability levels, from 5.5 to 5.12c! Easily accessible terrain boasts thousands of routes, rugged canyons, and granite domes of outstanding quality. Because of its remote setting, some consider climbing in Cochise Stronghold a backcountry experience. The climbing season lasts year-round, but higher elevations allow warmer winter climbs and ideal temperatures in fall and spring. Join a local and experienced guide that will take you through some of the longest and oldest routes in beautiful southern Arizona!

Many classic routes ascend the various spires and domes in the area
With its remote setting, Cochise offers a real backcountry experience
A spectacular landscape of rugged canyons and towering granite domes

Available itineraries

A Customized Day of Climbing With a Private Guide

Advance your climbing skills and conquer new heights with this one-on-one customized day of climbing! Explore some of the best routes in Cochise with the help of a friendly guide that will take out any uncertainties you might have. Climb the classics put up in the 70s or learn new moves and techniques and try them out on exciting routes. The guide will tailor the day according to your wishes!

Half-Day of Customized Climbing With a Private Guide

If you are new to rock climbing and don’t want to overdo it for one day, or you want to climb a few routes quickly, this half-day one-on-one session is perfect for you. Make the most of your time on rock and try out bouldering, sport, or trad climbing with an experienced guide by your side. Let them guide you and improve your technique as you climb the breathtaking granite domes that Cochise is famous for!

Full-Day of Group Rock Climbing

Join a group of like-minded people with similar skills as yours and spend the day climbing some of the best routes in Arizona! Climb anything from easy routes up low-angled faces for your first time out, to long multi-pitch climbs up steep walls. The guide will make sure everyone improves their climbing while you tackle new heights and make some memories with your group!

Half-Day of Group Rock Climbing

Very approachable terrain, experienced local guides, and thousands of routes in Cochise Stronghold allow for short but fun half-days on the rock! Let your guide plan out the best four hours in the backcountry of Tucson — don’t waste a minute of your time rethinking which route to climb first. The guide will tailor the day according to your group’s abilities. Improve your climbing, try out some exciting routes, and make friends along the way!

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Download Rock Climbing at Cochise Stronghold Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Jayci Ferrimani

Jayci started his climbing journey near his childhood home near Estes Park, Colorado. He realized his true calling was in climbing in the outdoors and his journey has brought him to many places, from frozen waterfalls to big desert walls. He's a certified Rock Guide and has attended an AMGA Alpine Guide Course. Jayci's passion is helping others in pursuit of their path in the art of climbing.

5.00

Arizona Climbing Guides has a passion for adventure! They want to help people become the explorer they envision for themselves. Whether you want to learn to rock climb, descend a technical canyon, or learn how to climb multi-pitch climbing objectives, ACG is there to help you along your journey. ACG’s guides hold and pursue guiding education through the AMGA, and they are proud to have some of the highest qualified guides in the state of Arizona!

5.00 (5 reviews)

Great experience!

439chaseb about Climbing Guides Arizona on TripAdvisor

My wife and I loved going out with Jayci! We had climbed before, but were looking to hone our skills to be able to go out on our own. Jayci was very communicative leading up to the climb, then extremely helpful once we got up on the mountain. He talked through important gear, knots, various techniques, and how we can continue to improve. He also stressed many safety protocols which made us feel especially comfortable. We would highly recommend going out with Jayci or his team!

Jayci really knows his stuff!

Carenandmike about Climbing Guides Arizona on TripAdvisor

We usually climb in an indoor climbing gym, but were looking to branch out to climb outdoors. We asked Jayci to teach us sport climbing. He was extremely informative and was able to teach us enough so that we were able to go out by ourselves – which we did a couple of days after our outing. On our day with Jayci, he did more than simply show us how to sport climb, he also gave advice on techniques for staying calm when faced with challenges on the wall. The breathing technique that he gave us were very useful when we were climbing by ourselves. This helped this 58 year old grandma do some pretty awesome climbs!

Excellent & Very Knowledgeable Guide

DeaCan about Climbing Guides Arizona on TripAdvisor

I just completed five days of rock climbing with Jayci on Mount Lemmon and at the Cochise Stronghold. Jayci has a wealth of experience as a guide and a climber, both in the lower 48 and Alaska, and a deep knowledge of the exceptional climbing opportunities in Arizona. He selected consistently excellent routes that were challenging and interesting, and both his natural calm and high level of expertise give you confidence to push yourself on new routes. He is also a thoughtful and encouraging instructor if you are looking to strengthen your skills–giving guidance judiciously but also letting you work things out for yourself on a challenging climb. Jayci is a pleasure to work with and his obvious enthusiasm for being out in the wilderness and for climbing further enhance the experience.

Awesome Guides!

ejs4265 about Climbing Guides Arizona on TripAdvisor

I really recommend doing an adventure with Jayci!!! He is an awesome guide and very knowledgeable. We went canyoneering with him and it was the highlight of our honeymoon. He takes the time to explain everything you need to know and is super fun and supportive for the entire adventure.

Outstanding

680ralphw about Climbing Guides Arizona on TripAdvisor

Went climbing with Jayci for 3 full days on multi pitch routes. Outstanding instructions and lead climbing. I have climbed with guides all over the world for 20+ years. This was clearly one of my best experience I have had. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in rock climbing (beginners and more advanced).

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Cochise, AZ, please refer to the Arizona Office of Tourism webpage.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure package:
- - An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4 or 6 hours of rock climbing each day (depending on your chosen itinerary)
  - All technical climbing gear
What’s not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Food and snacks
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
Cochise has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced climbers, Cochise has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
- - Helmet
  - Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
  - Ropes
  - Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
  - Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (can be provided by your guide)
  - Water bottle
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - Group size for group climbing is usually between 2–6 people with one guide.
  - Group size for private climbing with a guide is 1 guest and 1 guide.
  - Cost is per person and doesn’t change as the group size increases.
  - Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Teens aged 14-17 can go on their own, but a guardian will need to provide a signed waiver before an outing with the guide.
  - Kids younger than 14 can go climbing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Cochise Stronghold, most people fly into Tucson International Airport (TUS), an hour and a half from the climbing site. From there, you can rent a car. The east Stronghold is easily accessible to any passenger car.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet — either at the climbing area’s parking lots or nearby markets/coffee shops. From there, you’ll head to the crag and begin your day of climbing!