Shotgun Alley Rock Climbing
Elevation: | 3,061 ft | 933 m |
GPS: |
37.1709, -113.71399 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
|
Page Views: | 56,615 total · 319/month | |
Shared By: | Marius vanderMerwe on Jul 6, 2010 · Updates | |
Admins: | Perin Blanchard, GRK, David Crane |
Description
*UPDATE* this area is no longer available to go climbing at. There are “no trespassing” and “no climbing” signs put up, as well as a fence that was placed to block the easier access path.
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
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.
Classic Climbing Routes at Shotgun Alley
Weather Averages
High
|
Low
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
All Photos Within Shotgun Alley
Most Popular · Newest · RandomMore About Shotgun Alley
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
Guidebooks (7)
13 Comments