All Locations > Nevada > Southern Nevada > Red Rocks > Mt Wilson

Pier 42 Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Pier 42

Pier 42 Far Left 8 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 8

Pier 42 Left Center 4 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 4

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Elevation:	4,672 ft	1,424 m
GPS:	36.08788, -115.47476 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	174 total · 29/month
Shared By:	Valerie A B on Aug 3, 2025
Admins:	Luke EF, Larry DeAngelo, Justin Johnsen Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

Access Issue: IMPORTANT notes on Wet Rock and Human Waste Details

WET ROCK: The sandstone in Red Rocks is fragile and is very easily damaged when it is wet. Holds rip off and climbs have been and will continue to be permanently damaged due to climbers not respecting this phenomenon. After a heavy storm the rock will remain wet, sometimes for several days. PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB IN RED ROCKS DURING OR AFTER RAIN. A good rule of thumb is that if the ground near your climb is at all damp (and not powdery bone-dry sand), then do not climb. There are many alternatives (limestone, granite, basalt, and plastic) nearby.

HUMAN WASTE: Human waste is a major issue plaguing the area. The Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition (SNCC) works to provide "wag bags" free of charge in several locations: Black Velvet Canyon, The Hamlet, Kraft Mountain Area, The Gallery, and The Black Corridor. These bags are designed so that you can pack your waste out. Consider bringing one to be part of your daily kit no matter where you go. Once used, please dispose of them properly. Do not throw them in the toilets at the parking areas.

See https://www.southernnevadaclimbers.org/wag-bags for more information on the program.

Description

Pier 42 is a nubbin on the east face of Mt. Wilson towards the south end. It is a park-like crag situated on the lower east side. It is a beautiful sunny winter morning location but loses sun by 1pm in the winter.

A great beginner area but please be aware of a few things.

1. All routes are new and rarely travelled as of 2/22/25. I did my best to clean it up but please still expect some loose and friable rock on the climbs for some time. Test your hold.

2. There is a considerable amount of loose rock on top of some of the climbs. Please be careful when topping out.

3. Loose blocks on top. Please be careful to not build gear anchors in loose rock

4. Rap anchors atop climbs all consist of slung blocks. Please carefully inspect webbing before committing your life to it.

Getting There

Approach is essentially the same as for Sherwood Forest or Lower East Side as this passes by very close to Pier 42. Can be approached from either South Oak Creek or First Creek trailhead (see map photo). Eventually you end up on an old jeep road called “The Shadow of Mt. Wilson Trail” on some maps. Shortly after crossing the dark Shinarump Conglomerate band the road veers right and peters out as it heads into a drainage. It is best to gain the ridge or knoll before entering the drainage.

Follow the cobbly ridge for a while, keeping the drainage to your right. As the ridge starts to narrow and trees become more frequent, look for the break between the two dark red rock bands. Look for cairns. Head up the steep hill here. It is best to keep to the left edge. There will be some loose slope but aim for the small, stacked blocks to the left. It is easier to ascend the steep blocks to the left than the loose slope directly below the crag. Once to the level of the base of the crag, contour right. Going this way will bring you to the climb Nah'gah first.

See photos for more approach beta.

Location on map is approximate.