Type: | Trad, 1000 ft (303 m), 7 pitches |
FA: | Paul Van Betten, Richard Harrison, and Shelby Shelton - 1990 |
Page Views: | 5,580 total · 35/month |
Shared By: | Josh Janes on Jan 19, 2012 |
Admins: | Luke EF, Larry DeAngelo, Justin Johnsen |
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Holds rip off and climbs have been and will continue to be permanently damaged due to climbers not respecting this phenomenon. After a heavy storm, the rock will remain wet, sometimes for several days. PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB IN RED ROCKS during or after rain. A good rule of thumb is that if the ground near your climb is at all damp (and not powdery dry sand), then do not climb. There are many alternatives (limestone, granite, basalt, and plastic) nearby.
HUMAN WASTE Human waste is one of the major issues plaguing Red Rocks. The Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council and the AAC provides free "wag bags" in several locations (Black Velvet, First Pullout, Kraft Mtn/Bouldering, The Gallery, and The Black Corridor). These bags are designed so that you can pack your waste out - consider bringing one to be part of your kit (just like your rope and shoes and lunch) no matter where you go. Once used, please dispose of them properly (do not throw them in the toilets at the parking area).
HUMAN WASTE Human waste is one of the major issues plaguing Red Rocks. The Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council and the AAC provides free "wag bags" in several locations (Black Velvet, First Pullout, Kraft Mtn/Bouldering, The Gallery, and The Black Corridor). These bags are designed so that you can pack your waste out - consider bringing one to be part of your kit (just like your rope and shoes and lunch) no matter where you go. Once used, please dispose of them properly (do not throw them in the toilets at the parking area).
Description
This phenomenal route has fallen into obscurity - perhaps due to lack of information - but it should not be missed by those interested in something more unusual and difficult than the standard Black Velvet fare.
P1-3: Climb the first 3 pitches of Sour Mash, but instead of belaying on the comfy ledge below pitch 4, move right to an equally spacious ledge with a single cold shut bolt. This ledge is a little ways below the standard belay ledge.
P4: Notice the two attractive, left-facing corners far above you. Velveeta takes the right hand corner and My Little Pony takes the left hand. Climb up and right with reasonable, but spaced, protection for a long pitch to a good belay ledge below the corner.
P5: Climb the beautiful varnished corner, passing a single bolt (crux - a wonderful stemming sequence) to an uncomfortable belay on the right hand wall. I can't remember exactly what this belay consisted of but I remember it being less than ideal. 5.11d, 80'.
P6: Continue up the corner (which eventually changes aspects) until reaching a roof and very steep rock - pull through this to an exposed stretch of climbing and a belay at two bolts on a narrow ledge. This pitch has some junky rock but is outrageously good. 5.11, 100'.
P7: Finish by climbing up a long crack with ample face holds to a terrace above and to the left of the Black Tower. Traverse to and rappel down Epi with two ropes.
P1-3: Climb the first 3 pitches of Sour Mash, but instead of belaying on the comfy ledge below pitch 4, move right to an equally spacious ledge with a single cold shut bolt. This ledge is a little ways below the standard belay ledge.
P4: Notice the two attractive, left-facing corners far above you. Velveeta takes the right hand corner and My Little Pony takes the left hand. Climb up and right with reasonable, but spaced, protection for a long pitch to a good belay ledge below the corner.
P5: Climb the beautiful varnished corner, passing a single bolt (crux - a wonderful stemming sequence) to an uncomfortable belay on the right hand wall. I can't remember exactly what this belay consisted of but I remember it being less than ideal. 5.11d, 80'.
P6: Continue up the corner (which eventually changes aspects) until reaching a roof and very steep rock - pull through this to an exposed stretch of climbing and a belay at two bolts on a narrow ledge. This pitch has some junky rock but is outrageously good. 5.11, 100'.
P7: Finish by climbing up a long crack with ample face holds to a terrace above and to the left of the Black Tower. Traverse to and rappel down Epi with two ropes.
Protection
A single set of cams from blue Alien to #3 Camalot, wires (include a few offsets and larger RP's). Two ropes for a safe descent. It is possible to rap down the route with a single 70m rope, but you'll need quicklinks for the bolted anchor and extra tat for the anchor above the crux pitch.
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