[pdevin]

I am looking for areas that are mid to moderate in difficulty to take a buddy so I can teach him more about rope work, rappel, general techniques etc... I am looking for fairly close in to Phoenix/Scottsdale area (within 2- 2 1/2 hour drive). Prefer either loop trips or down and back (no through trips this time), prefer 1 night camp.

I am thinking of Christopher Creek as a starting place, however, in reading about it, looks busy. Any suggestions? My buddy has only done simple indoor rope work and I need to get him used to outside rock drop offs, slippery terrain and how to create anchors etc.

Appreciate any help.

[fairweather8588]

The northern end of the McDowell Mountains has some places where you could do some practice, go to the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's website for some more infor

[jeffmacewen]

McDowell\Queen Creek used to be the spot for that up that way. Google "Mountain Project" for all the beta you could possibly want about the ranges...

[Hoffmaster]

There is a huge boulder a short distance up the Echo Canyon trail at Camelback with anchors on the top. I have seen groups using it as a practice spot for rappelling. Same goes with a spot in Papago Park off the west side of Galvin Parkway. If you want it to be wet, then I would go to Christopher Creek for ease of access or The Jug (Salome Creek) for a bit more adventure. There are some waterfalls that are really fun to rappel in Crystal Canyon (not its real name) on the San Carlos Apache Res, but I don't remember how to get there.

[pdevin]

Thank you all for the help and advice, much appreciated.