The Retaining Wall  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  8,700' Lat, Long:  32.3446, -106.5588 Map Page Views:  270. Good page?    Administrators:  Aaron Hobson, Jason Halladay, Anthony Stout, LeeAB, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Robert Cort on Oct 24, 2011 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Old summit register (see comment)

Description 

The Retaining Wall is the narrow curving wall that forms the southern side of Dark Canyon (see Organ Needle Normal Route www.mountainproject.com/v/normal-route/105883868). It's sharp bouldery summit offers a view into Fillmore canyon that is blocked by The Retaining Wall to those simply summiting the Needle.

Getting There 

Approach the north face routes from Dark Canyon. Approach the east ridge from the gap between The Retaining Wall and Minerva's Temple. And approach the south face by traversing right before entering Dark Canyon from the west. You can also traverse around the The Retaining Wall all the way to the gap between Minerva's Temple and The Retaining Wall.

Featured Route For The Retaining Wall

North Face, Hummingbird Saddle Route 5.4  NM : Organ Mountains : The Retaining Wall

Start directly on Hummingbird Saddle, climb a bulgy arete towards a roof, bypass the roof to the right, climb to, then cross a narrow brushy ledge to the left and belay just east of the actual summit. Un-rope and scramble to the actual summit. A (much?) harder variation looks possible keeping right on the narrow brushy ledge and climbing directly to the summit. There is much lichen, and moss (you may have to clean out cracks for pro), and watch for loose rocks once you reach the roof....[more]   Browse More Classics in NM