The Industrial Wall 

Unfortunately, this cliff is subject to closures which make it very difficult to climb here when it would be prime--early spring. Also, dogs are not allowed here. Finally, a prudent attitude towards using the tunnels is highly recommended. It's only a matter of time before a serious accident happens.

After over 20 years of humping these tunnels, I have yet to hear of a single accident. It usually does not require advanced thinking to be cautious in a long, dark train tunnel.

Two things. As of right now, it appears that there is some work being done on the rails. As a result, there are a lot of Railroad Employees driving around the tracks doing various important things. These guys do not appreciate the site of a few climbers tramping around their "Private Property", and they will let you know it. It is advisable to avoid weekdays along the tracks for the time being lest we worsen the already poor access to this wonderful climbing area. Also, there is an incredible amount of poison ivy at the base of the crag. This wouldn't be that big a deal except that there isn't a trail through it, because what trail there was is grown over with weeds. My point is, that it might be wise to wear long pants and shoes for the hike.

A couple of years ago, a friend and I attempted to avoid the train tracks altogether by doing a cross country approach east of the tracks.This ended up being fairly grueling - lots of hiking.

But the hike was only the beginning. The real difficulty came when we inadvertently entered private property that was patrolled by three HUGE Irish Wolfhounds. These dogs were chest high and non-appreciative regarding our accidental trespass - they backed us right off the property and I felt very fortunate not to be eaten.

I'll take my chances with the trains and railroad employees, thank you.

It is important to be discrete when accessing the Wild West/West Bank or Mickey Mouse from the Plainview area. First, don't park at the Plainview railroad crossing. This is because it is a lot more obvious to sensitive residents that you are in the area and painfully obvious that you are walking on the tracks. It is much better to park a couple of hundred yards below the crossing on the last left hand switchback and walk due west through the Open Space to access the tracks beyond the maintenance yard and out of sight. It's also less obvious that you're climbing as a lot of people come to this area to walk their dogs along the roadway, etc.

Second, don't walk through the tunnel to get to the West Bank, Ridge One, etc. A well marked trail leads around the tunnel and it only takes about five minutes more than walking through the tunnel. This track has a lot more traffic than in years past with sometimes several trains per hour. There have been a lot of problems here before, so keep a low profile.

Peter makes a good point about the tunnel, and it is an easy fix. There is no need to use tunnel 6. There is a well-groomed path that walks right over it. The consequences of taking the tunnel route, if you aren't very careful and have a low-profile pack, could be deadly, and it's illegal. Just don't do it. Getting your pack snagged on a passing train and being dragged like a rag doll won't do the climbing community any favors. I've been stuck in that tunnel twice with a train, and it's not fun.