Western Spaces Wall Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 5,041 ft | 1,536 m |
GPS: |
36.03712, -115.47075 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 17,181 total · 73/month | |
Shared By: | Larry DeAngelo on Aug 14, 2005 | |
Admins: | Luke EF, Larry DeAngelo, Aaron Mc, Justin Johnsen |
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).
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
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.
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.
Classic Climbing Routes at Western Spaces Wall
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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