BETA PHOTO: The eastern half of the main area as seen from the...
Description
Desert domes of quartz monzonite on a ridge that rises from west to east. Rock quality is similar to Joshua Tree and approaches are varied, with some house-sized boulders complicating the approaches to the higher domes. Bounded on the south by Grapevine Canyon, a popular hike, and on the north by the road to Christmas Tree Pass, the area sees very few visitors. First developed in 1978, it has seen little traffic since then. It is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Getting There
Located just 5 miles west of Laughlin off Highway 163, look for a signed dirt road (Christmas Tree Pass) and drive north a few miles to Grapevine Canyon or continue on the same road until it turns west to access the main area.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Christmas Tree Pass:
An amazing line ascending a creaky flake crack system. Improbably thin flake, dubious pro at a modest grade: fantastic and a bit frightening.P1: ascend the low angle corner, then, transition to a crack on the right, then another, gaining the two bolt belay anchor at the base of the steep flake. 5.4 70’.P2: Climb the thin flake feature. Two bolts protect at stances (old Rawl buttonheads with thin SMC hangers in need of replacement). Move up, then right, then up and finally turn the low ang...[more]Browse More Classics in NV
Don't forget to stop off in CalNevAri at their restaurant (bar, and casino). A favorite hang-out over the years on my desert runs. Their food is yummy, and they make many of their food items from scratch. FYI: may be more crowded on some weekends due to "Fly-Ins." A friendly bunch though.
Weekend trips to X-mas Tree Pass? I live nearby and would love to climb here this winter. PM me if you'd like to climb here or other areas in this patch of desert.
We got snowed out in Red Rocks and this made for an adventure. It's not for the faint of heart. Every route we did (only 5 routes) peeled through layers of rock like an onion. Think of it as having the technical aspects of slab climbing with the flying projectile fun of ice climbing. That said we had a fantastic time and being granite we didn't have to wait for it to dry out after the rain. I'm trying to organize this section on MP and I don't know much about the area so if any locals have suggestions let me know.
Please be aware that there is currently a draft wilderness management plan in effect for this area and that it is currently ILLEGAL to place new bolts in the area!
If you climb here, please contact myself or the LVCLC ASAP! We need your input and help to protect this climbing resource!
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