Climb the Queen Victoria Spire in Sedona

Introductory Overview

The Queen Victoria Spire is one of Sedona’s most stunning and challenging rock climbing destinations, recognized for its unique geological features and breathtaking panoramic views. Located in the heart of Sedona's red rock country, this vertical sandstone spire offers experienced climbers the opportunity to test their skills on a once-in-a-lifetime climb. Its distinctive formation, part of the Schnebly Hill Formation, makes it a favorite among adrenaline seekers and climbing enthusiasts. This climb is not for the faint of heart, requiring technical proficiency and a good understanding of traditional climbing techniques.

Adventure Guide to Climb the Queen Victoria Spire

Route Options

The climb to Queen Victoria Spire typically follows The Standard Route, a 5.7-rated route that involves several pitches of technical climbing. It includes crack systems, ledges, and a breathtaking final ascent to the spire’s summit. The climb is primarily traditional, requiring gear placements along with bolted anchors for belays.

What Makes It Special

The spire itself boasts spectacular 360-degree views of Sedona's iconic red rock sandstone formations, with sweeping vistas of Oak Creek Canyon and the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the distance. Reaching the summit provides not just a physical challenge but an intense feeling of accomplishment due to the spire's isolated, precarious position.

Unique Features

The spire's top is almost impossibly small, offering room for only one to two climbers at a time. This intimate perch allows for an uninterrupted connection to Sedona's awe-inspiring landscape. Experienced climbers describe the summit as one of Sedona’s most photogenic locations.

Local Insights

Queen Victoria Spire is named after its resemblance to Victorian-era architecture, adding historical intrigue. Unlike Sedona's popular hiking trails, this spire offers solitude and exclusivity, as fewer climbers tackle the challenge each season.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Late fall to early spring offers cooler weather, perfect for climbing. Avoid peak summer due to extreme heat.
What to Bring: Full trad climbing gear, plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for the rugged approach trail.
Driving Directions: From downtown Sedona, drive south on AZ-179 for 4 miles. Turn left onto Morgan Road and park near the trailhead. The spire is a roughly 1.5-mile hike from there.

Reviews

Darrin Thorntona year ago

Ford bronco walked the trail like it was a paved road… there are many places that the trail requires some trail driving experience and we have tons of off road 4WD driving time. But you will be sharing the trail with others so be patient and respectful to use pull outs if you can to allow the others by you. Once you get to Chicken point it’s a large area to park and hike around. Stretch your legs (switch drivers) and many different obstacles going back down. The views up there are worth the trip. Top down on the bronco made it better

Dr. Taylor Burrowes3 years ago

This was a breathtaking panoramic view. An unexpected one for us too as we hadn’t planned this hike out. We started at the chapel and went around in a big 3 hour loop which got pretty intense half way through. We lost the trail a few times as it wasn’t always well marked and the track got hard to discern. Luckily it was clear when our direction just got too treacherous that it was obviously the wrong way down. But there were still some parts in the Hog Trails that got pretty steep and slippery. Definitely prepare for an advanced hike around those parts. Chicken point overlook in particular was not scary at all, just breathtaking! Although the Jeep tour sounded exhilarating as we could hear them hooting and hollering all their roller coaster drives. Honestly you can hang out there for a while with a book or find a place to string up a hammock it was just so serene. The weather was just perfect as well, definitely go in April!

Ryan Sears7 months ago

Great view of Bell Rock from Chicken Point. A healthy intermediate hike, if you hike to Chicken Point I would suggest going to see submarine rock, out to chicken point, and back by High on the Hog. Hog Heaven I think would be a bit more strenuous. If you’re lazy and don’t want to hike, there are also Jeep tours that come through

John Strozyk3 months ago

The main road is just bumpy, rutted and fun. The side trips to submarine rock, and the way back via Devils Stairs are harder, I bottomed with stock Rubicon. But still lots of fun. The view from chicken point is worth it.

Ninorta Kasso5 months ago

Beautiful views at chicken point overlook! The weather was great and the hike wasn’t bad at all.

Climbing

Climb the Queen Victoria Spire in Sedona