All Locations > Nevada > Southern Nevada > Red Rocks > Black Velvet Canyon

Western Spaces Wall Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Western Spaces Wall

L › R R › L A › Z

	Black Sun T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b PG13
	Breathing Stone, The T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
	Circus Act T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a C0
	Desert Solitude T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Git From Here You Dogs T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b C0
	Mr. Natural of the Desert T 5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
	Tranquility Base T 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b R
	Western Spaces T 5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c

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Explore this area in 3D

Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	5,041 ft	1,536 m
GPS:	36.03712, -115.47075 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	17,544 total · 68/month
Shared By:	Larry DeAngelo on Aug 14, 2005
Admins:	Luke EF, Larry DeAngelo, Justin Johnsen Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

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 magnificent varnished wall could be considered the western continuation of the Black Velvet Wall. The approach is rather more involved, of course, and this seems to have limited its popularity.

Getting There

Walk in on the main Black Velvet trail and follow it into the southern branch of the canyon. Scramble up the short wall and continue up canyon past the start of Epinephrine. About two or three hundred yards past Epineprine, the canyon is again split (this time by a formation called the Corduroy Ridge). The left branch is the one we want. To reach it, you must climb a smooth, low-angle friction slab. There are several protection bolts on this short pitch.

At the top of the slab, there are three main choices: A ledge system leads left (east) toward Great Expectations. On the right, a thin crack in the east-facing slab is the beginning of the Corduroy Ridge route. Between the two, a slot canyon leads west to the main part of the Western Spaces Wall. This is a bit of a canyoneering project that may be helped by assorted fixed ropes of uncertain antiquity. When you have progressed beyond the initial steep sections, the slot canyon is again blocked by a waterfall. If you are looking for a route which is still further upcanyon, watch on the right (north) side for an exit onto an expansive friction slab. Follow this west to the area you need. (The spectacular photo of the Breathing Stone was taken from this slab).

CAUTION!!! The constricted nature of this canyon can be a serious hazard in stormy or flash flood conditions.