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The Observatory Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in The Observatory

Black Hole Wall 0 / 8 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 8

Luna Wall 0 / 4 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 4

Red Giant, The 1 / 11 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 12

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Elevation:	4,708 ft	1,435 m
GPS:	32.32238, -110.70086 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	1,185 total · 99/month
Shared By:	Ann Ranalli on May 20, 2025
Admins:	adrian montaño, Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

The Observatory is a northwest facing cliff band located above and left of Choo Choo Rock. Due to it's location and shade until mid to late afternoon, it can be climbed year round-if you get a very early start in the summer heat. The rock quality is similar to other low mountain crags and the climbs vary (steep/slab) depending on the wall. Most climbs can be done with a 60 meter rope, except as noted. This crag is still in development and those climbs will be red tagged and not listed.

Getting There

The approach starts at the Molino Vista parking area and is the same approach at Wall of the Flying Scorpions and Choo Choo Rock/Train Station. The trail is well worn and well marked. You will pass the turnoffs and small signs for the Shooting Gallery and the Wall of the Flying Scorpions. About 30 ft past the turn off for Scorpion Wall, the trail splits- stay right for Choo Coo Rock/Train Station and go left to the trail for the Observatory. It immediately crosses a small drainage and from there the trail is obvious. The trail will bring you to the middle of the Black Hole Wall. To get to Luna Wall and the Red Giant Wall, continue to follow the trail along the cliff bottom. Hike in from the parking lot is around 45 minutes.

24 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at The Observatory

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 11 ● Starry Night Sport Black Hole Wall
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 9 ● Gravity Wave Sport Black Hole Wall
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 5 ● The Right Stuff Sport Red Giant
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 5 ● Heavens to Betsy Sport Red Giant
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 8 ● Stardust Sport Black Hole Wall
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 10 ● Stellar Sport Black Hole Wall
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 5 ● Moonatic Sport Luna Wall
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b 4 ● First In Space Sport 2 pitches Black Hole Wall
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b 5 ● Apollo 61 Sport Red Giant
5.10c/d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b 4 ● Shooting Star Sport Red Giant
5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c 4 ● Space Gunks Sport Red Giant