Rainbow Wall

BETA PHOTO: Rainbow Wall on a sunny day

Description 

Next to Mount Wilson, Rainbow Wall is one of the most prominent natural features of the Red Rocks area. It is also the location of most (but not all) of the big wall routes in this area. The classic Original Route (5.9 A2 or 5.12) was pushed up the center of the wall by Red Rocks pioneers Joe Herbst and Larry Hamilton back in 1973 and remains the most sought-after route on the wall today. An altogether awe-inspiring wall!

Historical note by Larry DeAngelo: The Rainbow Wall occupies an impressive historical niche. When Joe Herbst and Larry Hamilton climbed the wall in 1973, it was before almost every other serious route in the area. In fact, it was before most of the small routes too! At a time when NOBODY WAS EVEN CONSIDERING IT, these guys went out, committed, and completed the ascent. In the ensuing years, the route saw many attempts, but it was well into the next decade before anyone was successful. The original route was sufficiently challenging that three other routes were climbed (in 1983 and 1984) before the Herbst/Hamilton route yielded a second ascent.

Getting There 

Rainbow Wall can be approached via either the Pine Creek or Oak Creek parking areas. If you are planning on hiking out down Oak Creek after your climb, the Oak Creek Lot is your best bet. Either way, hike into the guts of Juniper Canyon, working your way left to find a drainage that comes down from Rainbow Wall. There is usually some sort of fixed rope (and maybe some water) coming down this chute. From here, hump what Swain calls "600 lung-searing yards" up the slabs to the base of the wall and your intended route. Overnight stays require a bivy permit you can get at the Visitor's Center!

Featured Route For Rainbow Wall

Birdhunter Buttress 5.9  NV : Red Rock : Rainbow Wall

The route ascends the right side of the Rainbow wall. Fun climbing on all pitches with some spicy face moves for the crux. Look under vegetation for bolts. Good full day adventure on some infrequently traveled stone. Also great views of the Rainbow wall....[more]

Add Photo Photos of Rainbow Wall

BETA PHOTO: Rainbow Wall Overview	BETA PHOTO: The Big Payback (V, 5.10, A3) goes up the obvious ...	BETA PHOTO: Rainbow Wall Center - Battle Royal is just right ...
BETA PHOTO: Rainbow Wall Right Side - Sauron's Eye (V, 5.10d R...	Rainbow Wall. Photo by Blitzo.	One of a pair of peregrines, hunting below the Rai...