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Climbing and Caving

The Coronado National Forest offers year-round climbing with sport and trad routes for all levels. Stunning granite rock faces punctuate the landscape, ranging from saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert at lower elevations to mixed-conifer forest at the top of the sky island mountain ranges. Be aware that many crags require difficult approaches over rugged terrain. Please visit and climb with respect; many areas are culturally significant to Indigenous people.

As the popularity of rock climbing increases, it is becoming more important that everyone help prevent resource damage. Removable hardware and temporary anchors are preferred. Pack it in; pack it out. Climbers are responsible for making sure they are on public land open to climbing. Remember, your safety is your responsibility when recreating on National Forest System lands.

Climbing Association of Southern Arizona (CASA) is an official partner of the Coronado National Forest. Visit their website to learn more about climbing in the region, as well as opportunities to get involved in climbing stewardship.

DISCLAIMER: The Coronado National Forest does not inspect, maintain, or repair bolts and other climbing equipment anywhere in the Forest.

Rock Climbing

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Search for Climbing and Caving Opportunities

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Cave of Bells

Climbing and Caving
The Cave of Bells is a fascinating and fragile underground wilderness that exerts its strongest appeal to National Forest visitors who enjoy cave exploration. Though this subterranean gallery of…

Chiricahua Crystal Cave

Climbing and Caving
Chiricahua Crystal Cave is one of the most unique recreational attractions in the Douglas Ranger District. It is a moderately large cave (2.38 miles total passage) that is primarily horizontal, with…

Onyx Cave

Climbing and Caving
Onyx Cave is a series of passageways and rooms that honeycomb an outcropping of limestone in the Santa Rita Mountains. Limestone formed from the remains of tiny sea creatures deposited in layers over…

Peppersauce Cave

Climbing and Caving
The annex entrance is a short distance up the wash on the right and up the hill to a small opening. In 2001, cavers became particularly concerned about the Cave's water quality and performed an…

Last updated May 16th, 2025