Area 5: Red and White Grotto Walls Rock Climbing

The rock quality at the Red and White Grotto walls has been noted as highly varied and unpredictable. One person was injured here in Summer 2021 due to rock fall, and required rescue. Please use extreme caution when climbing in this area, even on seemingly safe sections of wall.

The area is readily seen from the north end of the dam looking east when on Lake Shore Drive. The red rock is iron stained ortho-quartzite and the capping gray rock is dolomite.

Because these formation contain only intermittent cracks yet provide many features of good sport climbing like open palm holds, pockets, steep walls and roofs, the area will be easier for those with a big repertoire of climbing techniques i.e. crack & face. Bob Scarpelli jokingly said of the area, "The climbing is at least a [number]? grade easier after knowing out how to move through a zone." This complexity is especially noticeable for the climbs along the Red Clove Wall. No crank and climb here but there are a few lunge and hang opportunities here! Feet above you head may be useful.