Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: 4,369 ft 1,332 m
GPS: 36.28336, -115.4029
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 2,478 total · 70/month
Shared By: Ray on Jun 11, 2023 · Updates
Admins: Luke EF, Justin Johnsen

Description Suggest change

The most concentrated cliff in La Madre North. This area was first developed in the 90s, but has seen a recent resurgence in popularity as hard projects have been dispatched, primarily by Jonathan Siegrist. The west to northwest angling cave is densely packed with a collection of some of the hardest routes in the area, including one 5.15a called Close Encounters.

The surrounding west and northwest facing walls have a much more approachable range of grades, with many routes in the 5.11 to 5.13- range. Expect morning shade and afternoon sun for the most part. On shorter winter days, there is less sun as the surrounding hills provide extra shade. The routes to the right of the cave receive the least sun.

The rock is very typical mid-grade limestone that is common among most of the surrounding areas. Some sections of good rock and plenty of choss as well.

Getting There Suggest change

See parent area and map for driving directions. Park along the dirt road at the small pullout that only fits a handful of cars. From the lot, head down into the wash, and cross the wash aiming for the left side of a rocky ramp to exit the wash. At the top of the ramp, pick up a faint trail that winds through the desert. The trail eventually meets up with another wash and takes you to the base of the cliff with some very minor scrambling towards the end. 25-30 minutes to ascend and a little bit less on the way back. 0.8 miles with 350ft of elevation gain.

22 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Area 51 Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Area 51

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 9
Alien Within Me
Sport
5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c
 49
Paranormal
Sport
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 17
Deny Everything
Sport
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 32
The Virus
Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 13
Milky Way Surfer
Sport
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 13
Parallel Dimensions
Sport
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 5
Galaxy Surfer
Sport
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 24
Toxic Reasons
Sport
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 11
Extraterresticle
Sport
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 4
Alien Eyes
Sport
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 8
Alienation
Sport
5.12c/d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 9
E.T.
Sport
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 8
Galactus
Sport
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c
 8
White Project
Sport
5.13b/c 8a+ 29 X- 30 E7 6c
 5
Black Project
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Alien Within Me
 9
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport
Paranormal
 49
5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c Sport
Deny Everything
 17
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
The Virus
 32
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
Milky Way Surfer
 13
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
Parallel Dimensions
 13
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport
Galaxy Surfer
 5
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport
Toxic Reasons
 24
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport
Extraterresticle
 11
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
Alien Eyes
 4
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
Alienation
 8
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
E.T.
 9
5.12c/d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Sport
Galactus
 8
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Sport
White Project
 8
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c Sport
Black Project
 5
5.13b/c 8a+ 29 X- 30 E7 6c Sport
More Classic Climbs in Area 51 »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
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

loading