Climbing Sweet Rock at the Dragoon Mountains
When Covid hit and the world shut down and everything got closed down, we had to think outside of the box to find things to do. Sure there was things one could do at home, but I get sick if I stay indoors for too long. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to experience rock climbing at the Dragoon Mountains in Arizona!
Never in a million years would I have thought that I would go climbing on the side of a mountain and actually be good at it. I am the kind of girl that enjoys getting her nails done, sitting at a restaurant for brunch and mimosas. Not the kind of girl who wakes up early to go climb a mountain and get dirty and bruised. I mean I will do it if presented the opportunity, but it is not going to be my first choice activity. But here is proof that I did it and enjoyed it. And if I can do it, so can you!
In the southernmost part of Arizona, there is the Dragoon Mountains. This is a large area of mountains with hundreds of routes for rock climbing. Brands send out their ambassadors to set up the routes and promote them. I of course would have never known this, being that I am a novice. But I was so lucky to be with a group of knowledgeable, patient and encouraging individuals! I don’t think I would have made it all the way up to the top without them! 🥰
We got up at 5am to meet our group at 6am and make the trip out to Sweet Tooth mountain and start our climb at 7:30am so that we could have enough time to climb before the sun came out and make the rocks too hot to handle.
We had two routes set up so it gave us a chance to go up at least twice. Each climb takes about 10-30 minutes, depending on expertise and ease of the climb. There were some areas that were harder than others, but once you got through them the rest of the climb was easier. It takes a lot more leg strength than upper body strength to climb. Luckily I enjoy leg day. 😉 I also relied on the fact that I was tied in and that I could stop and be lowered at any time. I still ended up with some bruises and sore muscles the next day though. But would I do it again? DEFINITELY!
If you’re ever in southern Arizona and want to try it out, here are the directions to the location we climbed at. And after your climb enjoy some lunch and sightseeing in Tombstone, AZ!
Directions to the Dragoon Mountains:
1. Go to Tombstone and turn NORTH on Hwy 80
2. About 2 miles north of the village you turn EAST (right) on Middlemarch Road
3. Go about 9 miles on this dirt road until you get to a LEFT turn onto FR 287. There’s a sign that says “Stronghold West” as the road forks.
4. Turn LEFT onto that dirt road and measure 2 miles to the turn off for Sweet Rock. You will cross a few cattle guards, but the cattle guard at the 2 mile point is important as you turn RIGHT (East) right after you cross that cattle guard and proceed to the parking area for Sweet Rock. And you’ve made it to the Dragoon Mountains!
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106333942/sweet-rock
Since we’ll be in Arizona for a few years, I know that we will be going out there and trying out new routes. Especially after summer, when it cools down again and the temperature are better for climbing. Enjoyed the Dragoon Mountains or are you interested in other climbs, Tucson has many options as well! I’ll be sure to continue to document it and share with y’all either on here and/or on Instagram.
Be safe and have fun!
XO, Mayra
