What we’re about
The Arizona Mountaineering Club was founded in 1964 for the purpose of promoting and teaching safe rock climbing.
Our Mission is to provide educational opportunities, climbing experiences, advocacy to protect our climbing resources, and stewardship of the Arizona Outdoors by promoting volunteerism and community engagement.
Today the AMC has over 300 members who are involved in all aspects of rock climbing, mountaineering and various other outdoor sports. AMC members range from the occasional weekend climber to those who attempt the highest mountains around the world.
If you already have climbing skills and experience, join other members on some of our regular outings – a great way to meet new friends and discover new climbing areas.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- AMC Payson Campout: Top-Rope Climbing at Christopher Creek GorgePayson, Payson, AZ
This is an outing exclusively for participants the AMC Payson Campout. No RSVPs for this one. See AMC Campout in Payson!
Saturday we will be climbing in the Christopher Creek Gorge. We will spend the morning at Spring Creek (upper). As the sun begins to encroach upon us after noon, we will move over to Confluence Wall for the rest of the day. Both areas offer a good range of moderate to hard climbing.
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/124332931/upper-wall
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/111024985/confluence-wall
Outing leaders will provide ropes and anchor material and will setup all climbs. We will keep an eye on the weather and cancel only for heavy rain/lighting or excessive heat.
Skills Required
BORC or equivalent training/experience. Proper belay technique using PBUS, climbing calls, basic climbing knots.Getting There
We will meet at the Christopher Creek Gorge parking area at 7:00am. The parking area is off of highway 260 ~5 miles East of the campground. See meetup location for details.The Approach
Spring Creek is a short distance from the parking area. Confluence Wall is farther from the parking area, roughly 15 minutes of hiking. The trail has some steep sections with loose footing. Plan to maneuver around/over boulders and pools. The trail offers little to no shade and it can get hot hiking in, out, and between climbing areas.What to Bring
Bring AT LEAST 3L of WATER, ELECTROLYTES, FOOD for the day, UV protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hoody etc) and any other personal items you need for a full day outside. Check weather beforehand and layer accordingly. Bring shoes suitable for hiking and a pack to accommodate all of your stuff plus club gear and rope(s) to keep your hands free on the approach/return.Bring your personal climbing gear including: helmet, harness, personal anchor, climbing shoes, rappel/belay device(s), 48’ sewn runner/sling, auto block, prusiks, and at least 3 locking carabiners.
Participants
This outing is limited to participants of the AMC Payson Campout. All participants must be current AMC members and must have a waiver on file.DISCLAIMER As per your signed Waiver, Climbing is a personal choice and requires personal responsibility. Climbing and associate activities are inherently dangerous and can result in injury and/or death. Climbing exposes you to risks. Risks are not eliminated by training or skill. By your participation in any AMC activity or event, you accept and assume any and all risks, including those created by negligence connected to such activity or event.
- AMC Payson Campout: Multi-Pitch 5.8 Climbing at Christopher Creek GorgePayson, Payson, AZ
This is an outing exclusively for participants the AMC Payson Campout. No RSVPs for this one. See AMC Campout in Payson!
I can take a maximum of 4 people.
Saturday we will be climbing in the Christopher Creek Gorge. We will climb a 3 pitch 5.8 known as Nathan's Nutcracker.
I suggest you be proficient in top roping up to 5.9.Outing leaders will provide ropes and anchor material and will setup all climbs. We will keep an eye on the weather and cancel only for heavy rain/lighting or excessive heat.
Skills Required
BORC or equivalent training/experience. Proper belay technique using PBUS, climbing calls, basic climbing knots.Getting There
We will meet at the Christopher Creek Gorge parking area at 7:00am. The parking area is off of highway 260 ~5 miles East of the campground. See meetup location for details.The Approach
The New World is roughly 25 minutes of hiking. The trail has some steep sections with loose footing. Plan to maneuver around/over boulders and pools. The trail offers little to no shade and it can get hot hiking in, out, and between climbing areas.What to Bring
Bring AT LEAST 3L of WATER, ELECTROLYTES, FOOD for the day, UV protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hoody etc) and any other personal items you need for a full day outside. Check weather beforehand and layer accordingly. Bring shoes suitable for hiking and a pack to accommodate all of your stuff plus club gear and rope(s) to keep your hands free on the approach/return. Either bring an additional small pack to climb with or expect to use the pack you hike in with.Bring your personal climbing gear including: helmet, harness, personal anchor, climbing shoes, rappel/belay device(s), 48’ sewn runner/sling, auto block, prusiks, and at least 3 locking carabiners.
Participants
This outing is limited to participants of the AMC Payson Campout. All participants must be current AMC members and must have a waiver on file.DISCLAIMER As per your signed Waiver, Climbing is a personal choice and requires personal responsibility. Climbing and associate activities are inherently dangerous and can result in injury and/or death. Climbing exposes you to risks. Risks are not eliminated by training or skill. By your participation in any AMC activity or event, you accept and assume any and all risks, including those created by negligence connected to such activity or event.
- Grand Canyon Cleanup Skills Review, Sat August 23, 2025, Christopher CreekChristopher Creek, Phoenix, AZ
Grand Canyon Cleanup Skills Review, Sat, August 23, 2025
##### Details
This event is for AMC members who have RSVP’d for the 2025 Grand Canyon Cleanup event on September 27. You must be current with your 2025 club dues and waiver on file.
Note
In order to accommodate all prospective participants, we are offering TWO Grand Canyon Cleanup Skills Review events:
Saturday, August 23 in Christopher Creek
OR
Saturday, September 13 in Papago Park.
It is mandatory that you attend ONE of these events prior to participating in the Cleanup. Please RSVP for only ONE of the Skills Review events.##### Event description
We will practice specific skills that are critical to conducting the Grand Canyon Cleanup safely and in accordance with our NPS permit agreement. The fundamental skills to be practiced are 1) Anchor Building, 2) Trash Rappel, 3) Ascending, and 4) Belaying. Demonstrated proficiency in these techniques is required for anyone who wishes to “go over the edge” or belay someone who does. Those who are not proficient may still have an opportunity to participate in a non-technical support role.
Techniques for anchor-building, rappelling, ascending, and belaying will be consistent with the skills taught in the current version of the AMC BORC and Anchors Schools with one notable exception: an Assisted Braking Device, specifically a Petzl Grigri or Trango Vergo will be required for belaying.##### Registration
When you RSVP, you'll be asked for your full name, email and phone number and then assigned to the waitlist. We are using the waitlist function to verify membership and confirm that participants meet the criteria for Grand Canyon Cleanup. Individuals who do not respond to the questions when joining the waitlist or do not have current AMC membership will be moved to "Not Going.” Participation in this event is at the discretion of the Event Organizer.
Additional information including required gear and logistics will be provided to registered participants in follow-up communications.
Location
From Payson, drive east on Highway 260 until milepost 270.8ish. Take the paved exit right and proceed through the open gate to the dirt parking area.
Questions?##### Contact the Event Organizer at the email address below. Please DO NOT USE MeetUp message service or comments to communicate with the Event Organizer.
Deborah Roether Fallon
deborahlroether@gmail.com
