Elevation: 4,949 ft
GPS: 36.00402, -115.46299
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Page Views: 20,956 total · 97/month
Shared By: John Hegyes on Sep 23, 2005 · Updates
Admins: Justin Johnsen, Luke EF, Larry DeAngelo, Aaron Mc
Access Issue: Red Rock RAIN AND WET ROCK: The sandstone is fragile and is very easily damaged when wet. Details

Description

Several classic single pitch trad routes can be found here at Illusion Crags. The routes on the left side face almost south and the routes continue around to the main cliff that faces east. The routes on the left generally have walkoffs, and on the main face the routes usually feature rappel anchors - these are long pitches and two ropes may be required to rap. Most of the first ascents out here were by Joe Herbst and friends.

Getting There

There are two approaches to Illusion Crags. First is to approach as per Windy Canyon via the cutoff from Black Velvet Canyon Road. This may not be preferable due to a short, rugged section of dirt road.

The shorter approach is also a dirt road - this way is generally manageable with 2WD so long as you have some decent clearance. About a mile west of the BVC road turnoff from the highway (known as Late Night Trailhead), there is another turnoff on the right. Head off the highway to the north and follow the dirt road as it parallels the highway, heading west, into a stream bed. This stream bed features loose gravel and it's easy to get stuck in. After about a quarter mile from the highway, at a cairn, head north out of the stream bed then bear left when opportunities are presented. Stop at the small parking area that is closest to the Crags.

Once parked, head west, down into the wash and up across open desert to the cliff. There is a well marked trail if you can find it..

17 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Illusion Crags

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
 10
Chameleon Pinnacle
Trad
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 17
French Bulges
Trad
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 7
Morph Out
Trad
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 4
Sensual
Trad
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 11
Con Jurors
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 8
Who Deany
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 28
Arm Forces
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 21
Slight of Hand
Trad
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c PG13
 9
False Perception
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Chameleon Pinnacle
 10
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a Trad
French Bulges
 17
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
Morph Out
 7
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
Sensual
 4
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
Con Jurors
 11
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
Who Deany
 8
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Arm Forces
 28
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
Slight of Hand
 21
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
False Perception
 9
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c PG13 Trad
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