The Observatory Rock Climbing
Elevation: | 4,089 ft | 1,246 m |
GPS: |
36.15597, -115.4373 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 4,882 total · 20/month | |
Shared By: | John Hegyes on May 26, 2005 · Updates | |
Admins: | Luke EF, Larry DeAngelo, Justin Johnsen |
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 Observatory could be considered as an extension of the Gallery, on the climber's right or south side. The crag can be seen from the parking lot of the Second Pullout. Its most prominent feature is the broad, low-angle, smoothed-over arete on the right side. The arete has a large, "cyclops eye" hueco on the top that overlooks the parking lot. (Around the arete, to the right, is Stone Wall.) The Observatory has fully-bolted single-pitch and multi-pitch routes as well as a couple traditional routes. It gets sun from late morning throughout the rest of the day and tends to catch the wind on the upper wall.
The main wall, to the left of the arete, is characterized by an upper vertical section, a middle scramble section, and a corridor at the very bottom (unseen until you're there). Most of the routes are on the upper vertical section, or in the corridor at the bottom. A couple multipitch routes climb through some steeper parts of the middle scramble section, otherwise it's just a fourth class nuisance in the middle of the wall. There is a sloping ledge at the base of the upper vertical section for accessing those routes (all of which have two bolt belayer anchors). For most routes it's best to approach this sloping ledge from the right by the route Bewitched. The two left-most routes, Nociceptor and Shinigami, are best accessed from the right end of the Gallery. That said, you can walk/scramble across the entire middle section, it's not that bad if you're used to it.
The corridor at the very bottom of the wall is split into left and right sections by a large boulder jam. The left side contains 4 routes and is best accessed by approaching as for the Gallery, but instead of scrambling up left to the Gallery, go straight up through a notch to the base of the cliff. Turn right and pass under some vegetation and emerge into the corridor. For routes in the middle and right sections of the corridor don't go through the notch, instead go up the ledge immediately right of the notch, and scramble down onto the boulder jam or into the right side of the corridor just past the boulder jam.
Getting There
Approach as for the Gallery or Stone wall and follow instructions below as you get close to the cliff. See topo overview photo for more info.
The best approach for the upper vertical section of the main wall is from the right end by the route Bewitched. Scramble around the left side of Stone Wall and up to a large ledge with the route Deicide in the steep wall on the back of the ledge. Scramble up past Bewitched to a sloping ledge to access several of the upper main wall routes.
Two routes, Nociceptor and Shinigami, are best approached from the right end of the Gallery. Walk the slab over to belay anchors at the base of the routes.
The corridor at the bottom of the Observatory is best accessed from the left side. Approach as for the Gallery and go through the notch at the top of the scramble. Drop into the gully and go right into the corridor. Or walk along the ledge above the gully to the right and drop into the boulder jam or on the right side to access other routes.
Classic Climbing Routes at The Observatory
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