The Granite Dells of Prescott's Watson Lake provide the perfect surface for bouldering and rock-climbing.

© Jeff Kida

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Rock-Climbing
Watson Lake, Prescott

By Kathy Ritchie

Matt Brown loves to give folks an experience they'll never forget, and since opening Rubicon Outdoors in 1998, he's been doing just that — offering thrill-seekers of all ages something truly unforgettable.

Of course, it's not just what Rubicon offers that sets it apart from the competition. It's also the people who work with Brown day in and day out. Rubicon is a family-owned-and-operated venture, and the highly trained guides who work for Brown are his close friends.

"I have the best folks working for me," he says.

Indeed he does. Rubicon's guides are friendly, helpful and enthusiastic about what they do. They're also keen to give you a made-to-order adventure.

"We've created options … so we can tailor the day to the individual," Brown says.

Rubicon's roll-with-the-punches philosophy means you can combine adventures, a definite plus if time is an issue. For a full day of adventure, consider combining rock-climbing, their most popular excursion, with mountain-biking. Brown and his crew will make all the necessary arrangements. All you have to do is show up.

Once you arrive at Ironclad Bicycles, you'll be fitted for a bike and a helmet. After that, you're off. You'll follow your guides to a trailhead that's appropriate for your skill level. It won't be long before you smell the pine trees as you begin to make your way up a hill. Your guide will remind you to shift gears (a very helpful tip). They'll also tell you that if you need to stop and walk your bike, it's OK. In fact, your guide will probably hop off in solidarity. Of course, if mountain-biking is a prelude to rock-climbing, then consider yourself warmed up.

About 15 minutes from downtown Prescott are Watson Lake and the Granite Dells. If you've never been, it's an awe-inspiring site. Massive boulders appear stacked upon one another, creating alien-looking rock formations, which, by the way, are your climbing destination. The gear is already set up by the time you arrive, and all you have to do is change your shoes and step into your harness. Once you're safely and securely strapped in, you're given the green light: It's time to rappel down the very vertical rock face.

After skipping down the Dells, another guide greets you at the bottom. Your blood is pumping, your confidence is soaring, the adrenaline is rushing, and now you're faced with a choice: Climb back up à la Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 2 or hike the rocks to the top. You'll want to try the former. The climb back up is tough, but doable. After you reach the top, the thrill of the climb might leave you wanting more. Go for it. Brown and his guides are more than happy to accommodate, and what may have been something you intended as a one-time, cross-off-your-bucket-list adventure, is now a new hobby.

Information: Rubicon Outdoors, 800-903-6987 or www.rubiconoutdoors.com
In the Neighborhood: Hotel Vendome, Prescott, 928-776-0900 or www.vendomehotel.com; Raven Café, Prescott, 928-717-0009; Whiskey Row, www.whiskeyrow.us

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