The Obsidian Wall

If you were ever curious as to why Black Rose is s...

Description 

The Obsidian Wall, located near the Silver Pond, is the northernmost part of the canyon. The rock on this wall is darker than the rest of the canyon, and nearly black. One of the canyon's classic moderate routes, The Black Rose (5.8+) is located here. In general, you will have to rappel in to the bottom of routes here, as the pond normally contains water during the climbing season. A little care (and a partner spotting for you) will keep your rope out of the soup!

Getting There 

Hike down the regular trail past the vault toilet house, keep going straight and follow the trail as it leads around the northern end of the canyon (through rocks). The dry waterway creates a waterfall that drops right into the Silver Pond.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Obsidian Wall

The Black Rose 5.8+  AZ : Paradise Forks : The Obsidian Wall

Black Rose is a unique and enjoyable route with good pro. The route is located next to the Silver Pond and usually best reached by rigging a rap line from the ledges above, then rapping into the higher dry boulders just below the route (depending on water level). Climb up the back corner to reach the big black roof, then perform a traverse right and out under the roof. From there, follow double-cracks up to reach the ledges above....[more]   Browse More Classics in AZ