All Locations > Nevada > Southern Nevada > Red Rocks > (16) 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

Order Wrong? Sort Routes

Elevation:	5,041 ft
GPS:	36.03712, -115.47075 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	16,743 total · 77/month
Shared By:	Larry DeAngelo on Aug 14, 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

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.