PRINT: Rock Climbing in Mud Spring Canyon, Red Rocks

(17) Mud Spring Canyon

Nevada > Southern Nevada > Red Rocks

Access Issue: Red Rock RAIN AND WET ROCK: The sandstone is fragile and is very easily damaged when wet. Details

Holds rip off and climbs have been and will continue to be permanently damaged due to climbers not respecting this phenomenon. After a heavy storm, the rock will remain wet, sometimes for several days. PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB IN RED ROCKS during or after rain. A good rule of thumb is that if the ground near your climb is at all damp (and not powdery dry sand), then do not climb. There are many alternatives (limestone, granite, basalt, and plastic) nearby.

HUMAN WASTE Human waste is one of the major issues plaguing Red Rocks. The Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council and the AAC provides free "wag bags" in several locations (Black Velvet, First Pullout, Kraft Mtn/Bouldering, The Gallery, and The Black Corridor). These bags are designed so that you can pack your waste out - consider bringing one to be part of your kit (just like your rope and shoes and lunch) no matter where you go. Once used, please dispose of them properly (do not throw them in the toilets at the parking area).

Description

The uncrowded Mud Spring Canyon is tucked into the gap south of Black Velvet and north of Windy Canyon. It contains mostly traditional climbs that still have a bit of a remote feel to them.

Getting There

This area can be approached from the Black Velvet parking area. Follow the old dirt road west to the the point where the Black Velvet trail departs for the canyon. At this point, turn left and follow the road south until you can contour southwest on trail fragments and cross-country stretches until reaching the streambed near the canyon mouth. The canyon can also be reached from a turnout early on the Windy Canyon approach road, but the walking is generally tougher this way.

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Anything is possible in a remote canyon on a winter day. (photo: mary rosenthal)

Global Peak snowbound