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The Observatory Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Observatory

L › R R › L A › Z

Bewitched S 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a PG13

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Elevation:	4,089 ft
GPS:	36.15597, -115.4373 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	3,981 total · 18/month
Shared By:	John Hegyes on May 26, 2005
Admins:	Justin Johnsen, Luke EF, Larry DeAngelo, Aaron Mc Page Updates (admin only)

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 Observatory could be considered as an extension of the Gallery, on the climber's right or south side. The rock 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 routes are face climbs, mostly protected with bolts but also with the sporadic gear placements as well. The rock gets sun from late morning throughout the rest of the day. The routes all require double rope rappels.

Getting There

It's possible to traverse south from The Gallery to reach this rock, but I found this way to be pretty exposed and tricky. The more solid approach would be to go to the Stone Wall. From the mouth of Black Corridor, the gully to the north is Sweet Pain, and to the north of that is the Stone Wall gully. Hike to the top of the Stone Wall gully and ramp up the north wall. This brings you directly to The Observatory.