All Locations > Nevada > Southern Nevada > Red Rocks > Pine Creek Canyon

Mescalito Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Mescalito

Dark Shadows Wall 16 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 16

East Face 22 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 23

South Face 7 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 7

Southeast Buttress 6 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 6

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Elevation:	4,564 ft	1,391 m
GPS:	36.12311, -115.49467 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	403,527 total · 1,497/month
Shared By:	Larry DeAngelo on Feb 16, 2004
Admins:	Luke EF, Larry DeAngelo, Justin Johnsen Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: IMPORTANT notes on Wet Rock and Human Waste Details

WET ROCK: The sandstone in Red Rocks is fragile and is very easily damaged when it is wet. 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 bone-dry sand), then do not climb. There are many alternatives (limestone, granite, basalt, and plastic) nearby.

HUMAN WASTE: Human waste is a major issue plaguing the area. The Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition (SNCC) works to provide "wag bags" free of charge in several locations: Black Velvet Canyon, The Hamlet, Kraft Mountain Area, 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 daily kit no matter where you go. Once used, please dispose of them properly. Do not throw them in the toilets at the parking areas.

See https://www.southernnevadaclimbers.org/wag-bags for more information on the program.

Description

This formation was known as Red Cap back in the sixties. The Mescalito name was given by Red Rock pioneer Jeff Lansing (who coincidentally did the first ascent of the formation's east face). It looks like a cute little summit, dwarfed by much larger mountains on both sides. But do not be fooled; climbing to the summit involves ten or twelve pitches and a noticeable descent effort.

There is quite a wide spectrum of climbing. Cat in the Hat and Dark Shadows are probably the two most popular routes with visiting climbers, and they well deserve their "classic" status. Lots of other climbs are of similar quality; Risky Business, Y2K, Cookie Monster, and a bunch more.

Getting There

Hike west on the main Pine Creek trail. A short distance beyond the mouth of the canyon the streambed forks. Stay to the right for routes from Y2K around toward Dark Shadows. Cross the streambed and work up the south fork for routes from Cookie Monster and left toward Cat in the Hat.

52 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Mescalito

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b 1,337 ● Cat in the Hat Trad 6 pitches Southeast Buttress
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 435 ● Cookie Monster Trad 3 pitches E Face
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 1,803 ● Dark Shadows Trad 4 pitches Dark Shadows Wall
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 390 ● Dark Shadows (Full) Trad 10 pitches Dark Shadows Wall
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 131 ● Chasing Shadows Trad 4 pitches Dark Shadows Wall
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 14 ● Ebony Way Trad 2 pitches E Face
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 382 ● Y2K Trad 4 pitches E Face
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b 99 ● Slot Machine Trad Dark Shadows Wall
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b R 82 ● The Walker Spur Trad 3 pitches E Face
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b 105 ● Edge Dressing Trad 4 pitches Dark Shadows Wall
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13 116 ● The Next Century Trad 2 pitches E Face
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b R 280 ● Risky Business Trad 4 pitches Dark Shadows Wall
5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c R 9 ● Dream Safari Trad 4 pitches Dark Shadows Wall
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c R 72 ● Excellent Adventure Trad 3 pitches Dark Shadows Wall
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a R 25 ● Parental Guidance Trad 2 pitches Dark Shadows Wall