Efforts are underway to raise money for the Town of Chino Valley to purchase the beloved rock climbing area
By Amanda Lane, owner, Hike Shack
I fell in love with this special little canyon 20 years ago when I learned traditional climbing. Sullies, as the local climbers call it, is located on the east side of North Old Highway 89 just past the town of Chino Valley. It is the headwaters for the Verde River. Upper Sullivan’s Canyon is approximately 30 to 50 feet across in this area and 50 feet deep. The canyon wall is made of unique basalt full of cracks that reach from the top to bottom. The features in this canyon make it an ideal place to learn how to place gear such as nuts and cams to use in traditional clean climbing, leaving no trace behind. Over the past 40 years or more Prescott College, Search and Rescue teams, local fire departments, private guides, and climbers alike have used this area year-round to teach and explore the aspects of trad climbing and practice rescue skills. The area does not contain bolts used for sport climbing, which makes it an even more special climbing area.
Most that use the Upper Sullivan’s Canyon do not realize it is on private property. The owners have graciously allowed us to use this section of the canyon for many years. Local users have done a great job respecting the property and keeping it clean. Lower Sullivan’s Canyon and much of the Verde River corridor is already public property and the property to the west of this area has recently been approved as a state park.
The canyon is a beautiful scenic spot that frequently goes unnoticed to passersby. The vegetation communities and geography of the riparian zone along the Verde River form a vital and continuous wildlife corridor that links the Sonoran Desert to the highlands. The watershed also plays an important role in supporting all kinds of animals and plant life. There is also a lot of cultural history in the area from the petroglyphs to the Fred Harvey building; there is a lot to experience.
Recently it came to the attention of the Prescott Climbing Coalition (PCC) that the property would be coming up for sale. The PCC, along with the Access Fund and Trust for Public Lands, is organizing an effort to purchase the property. A group of representatives recently had a meeting with the Town of Chino Valley and asked if they would consider owning the property so the public access could remain if the funds were raised to complete the purchase. The vote was a unanimous “Yes,” thus, allowing the campaign to continue. Currently the PCC has raised more than $30,000 through private donors and plans to continue the efforts with events this summer. The Access Fund has given them a grant to organize the efforts, and TPL has opened the process of a grant application that would match all the money raised for the purchase. The loss of this area would be tragic. Securing this area would open it to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Save Sullivan’s campaign is well under way and could use your support. To donate or learn more about Sullies, and upcoming events, visit Savesullivans.org