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Elevation: 3,061 ft
GPS: 37.1709, -113.71399
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 56,198 total · 337/month
Shared By: Marius vanderMerwe on Jul 6, 2010 · Updates
Admins: Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C
Warning Access Issue: PRECIPITATION AND WET ROCK DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

This little crag sits on a parcel of SITLA land next to the Shivwits Indian Reservation. The climbs are on the two cliff bands framing the Santa Clara river. There are several hours worth of fine (albeit short) bolted routes, together with a few practice trad lines that can be protected via cracks. Most routes require you to set up an equalized sling anchor draped over the top edge using the two easily accessible anchor bolts before climbing the route. The short length of the routes and ease of putting up a top rope (as long as you remember your sliding X sling and carabiners) make this a good area for introducing novice climbers to the sport.

On the cliff band closest to the road and parking area (referred to as the "near" cliff band in route descriptions) routes tend to be clustered in two areas. There is a northern cluster of routes (to the far left on the cliff band visible in the photo) and a southern cluster of routes (approximate middle of cliff band visible in the photo). There are also a few scattered routes on the far southern end of the cliff (not visible in the photo). Gaining access to the cliff band across the river (the "far" cliff band in route descriptions) requires wading the river and negotiating the steep boulder field.

The rock is Shinarump conglomerate (coarse-grained sandstone and pebbles), can be flaky, and most routes require some cleaning. It will take time before all the loose parts have been completely worked away. Holds are often thin and sharp. The climbing style for the most part is technical and delicate rather than steep and powerful.

Easy access to the area tends to draw gun shooting and garbage dumping types. Until recently large numbers of spent shotgun shells littered the area, hence the name. It is slowly being cleaned up and has the potential to turn into a pleasant spot next to a scenic stretch of river.

Getting There Suggest change

From the Bluff St/Sunset Blvd intersection in St. George drive west on Sunset Blvd (turns into old Hwy 91) for 7.6 miles. At the right turn sign for Kayenta make a left turn instead and park at the side of the road next to a fenced area and gate.

There is a SITLA no-trespass sign posted at the gate. The fence, gate and sign are recent additions due to damage caused by off-road vehicles, dumping, and people shooting guns that can potentially start fires. Climbers will be allowed to use the area as long as we do not contribute to these problems.

Enter the area through the walk-in gate and hike a short distance (about 5 mins) to the cliffs framing the river.

43 Total Climbs

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Location: Shotgun Alley Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Shotgun Alley

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
 15
Sacred Cow
Trad, TR
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 32
Southbound Pachyderm
Sport, TR
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 25
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Sport, TR
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 25
Clay Pigeons
Sport, TR
5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 7
The Pineapple Incident
Sport, TR
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 32
Wait for It
Sport, TR
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 12
Legendary
Sport
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13
 6
TreeBeard's Beard
Sport, TR
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 13
Mr. Krinkle
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 17
Too Many Puppies
Sport, TR
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 15
Fancy Pants
Sport, TR
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 7
My Left Foot
Sport, TR
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 6
Sink the Pink
Sport
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a
 9
Ghost Goop
Sport, TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Sacred Cow
 15
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a Trad, TR
Southbound Pachyderm
 32
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport, TR
Breakfast at Tiffany's
 25
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport, TR
Clay Pigeons
 25
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport, TR
The Pineapple Incident
 7
5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport, TR
Wait for It
 32
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport, TR
Legendary
 12
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
TreeBeard's Beard
 6
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13 Sport, TR
Mr. Krinkle
 13
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
Too Many Puppies
 17
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport, TR
Fancy Pants
 15
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport, TR
My Left Foot
 7
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport, TR
Sink the Pink
 6
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
Ghost Goop
 9
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a Sport, TR
More Classic Climbs in Shotgun Alley »

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