AMC Payson Campout: Top-Rope Climbing at Christopher Creek Gorge

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.