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Elevation: 4,638 ft 1,414 m
GPS: 36.10256, -115.49045
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 63,246 total · 304/month
Shared By: Larry DeAngelo on Oct 12, 2007 · Updates
Admins: Luke EF, Larry DeAngelo, Aaron Mc, Justin Johnsen
Warning Access Issue: Red Rock RAIN AND WET ROCK: The sandstone is fragile and is very easily damaged when wet. DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Immediately upstream from the Solar Slab is the Black Orpheus Amphitheater. This huge bowl faces generally south and is separated from the main part of the Solar Slab Buttress by the lengthy Sunspot Ridge. The amphitheater itself can be divided into three sub-areas. The tall central section is the site of the Black Orpheus route. This reaches the very top of the Solar Slab Buttress and follows the descent routes described in that section.

The left side of the amphitheater is the Black Arch Wall. The routes here are shorter and end in the Painted Bowl. Most of these routes are best approached from near the upstream end of the Amphitheater, just before the first fork of Oak Creek. Although it would be possible to descend by walking down the Painted Bowl, or continuing up to link with one of the higher routes, the most common descent uses two double rope rappels starting at a bolted anchor right at the top of Plate of Fate. If approaching this anchor from above, go to the area of vegetation at the easternmost part of the Painted Bowl. You need to scramble down for fifteen feet of third class before you can see the bolts.

The right (downstream) side of the Black Orpheus Amphitheater is a southwest-facing alcove with several medium-length routes. These are best approached by starting out of the streambed as for Black Orpheus, then quickly traversing right to a steep gully. The routes end in a low-angle broken area just to the west of the notch on Sunspot Ridge. The obvious descent is to scramble right (east) to the notch, downclimb fifteen feet, rappel from a small bush to ledges at the top of Solar Slab's second pitch, then continue down the Solar Slab rappels. Alternatively, one could climb the last pitches of Sunspot Ridge or work west to the slabby middle section of Black Orpheus and ascend that route.

Getting There Suggest change

Follow the Oak Creek Trail. After passing beneath Solar Slab, the trail continues west and drops into the streambed. Scramble over the boulders until a weakness in cliff bands on your right allows ascent to the walls several hundred feet up. Look for a small cairn on the north bank at approx. 36.10162, -115.49059.

14 Total Climbs

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Location: Black Orpheus Amphitheater Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Black Orpheus Amphitheater

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 40
There and Back Again
Trad 5 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 398
Black Orpheus
Trad 8 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 10
Plate of Fate
Trad 3 pitches
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b PG13
 15
Eurydice
Trad 2 pitches
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 6
The Secret World of Arrietty
Trad
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 13
Marijuana
Trad 5 pitches
5.12 7b+ 27 VIII+ 26 E6 6b
 10
The Black Widow
Trad 4 pitches
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 8
Tuscarora
Trad 4 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
There and Back Again
 40
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 5 pitches
Black Orpheus
 398
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Trad 8 pitches
Plate of Fate
 10
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Trad 3 pitches
Eurydice
 15
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b PG13 Trad 2 pitches
The Secret World of Arrietty
 6
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Trad
Marijuana
 13
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Trad 5 pitches
The Black Widow
 10
5.12 7b+ 27 VIII+ 26 E6 6b Trad 4 pitches
Tuscarora
 8
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Trad 4 pitches
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