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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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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).
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:
What’s not included:
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:
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
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:
Min. age requirements:
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!
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.