Chinese Eyes [Edit]

I liked this route. It is a bit sandy but is really good jamming with all sizes represented. I think I used two each 1-3 camalots and a few smaller cams at the bottom. The 5 is nice to have but probably not necessary. You can get a 0 TCU in the wide section but probably would'nt want to fall very hard on it. Oct 21, 2002

Yes, this route is a little sandy, but it is still a great climb in a spectacular location. The view across the desert to the La Sals is awesome. It also is rarely crowded and very sunny - perfect for a cold weekend in the desert. Cams go from BD #0.5 to BD #3.5. A single offwidth move to the chains can be protected by a big cam, but odds are the sand crystals wouldn't hold anyways... Don't let the offwidth move keep you off this climb, it is ONE move to the chains. Recommended. Feb 1, 2006

The ATF has changed the anchor on this route to brown chain and two half-inch bolts.
The OW move at the top is about as easy as an Entrada OW move can be and not be face climbing. Mar 12, 2007

I ascended this climb in March of 1988 with Cyndie Bransford. We were very happy to have a short free climb to tick off in a very wonderful setting.....yeah, it aint' granite. Combine this climb with nearby Ring Arch, and you will have a fantastic day to remember. Apr 25, 2007

I did this last week and really enjoyed it. It hardly felt like an Arches route. Rather solid and secure for the Arches. May 31, 2007

Dirty, gritty, and sandy...a #5 is not necessary...run it out to the top...you cannot fall out of that chimney unless you try. Good first Arches route. Oct 19, 2008

Compared to other Arches routes, this is medium on the sandy scale. Not Creek quality, but not scary either with appropriate technique and protection behavior.

The wide section has plenty of cheater holds and is not hard at all (5.6-5.7). However, if you want to squeeze inside to be more secure finishing (no pro wider than a #3 Camalot needed), I recommend high tops or covering your ankles. I do a lot of OW and it was pretty unavoidable cutting up my right ankle after leading and doing a TR lap. Nov 22, 2012

Approach BETA*****

To approach these climbs park near the bridge that crosses Courthouse Wash.

Hike up Courthouse Wash until you reach the prominent buttress which hosts climbs like "Chinese Eyes". Cut right at/near the base of the wall and the climbs are obvious.

Do NOT tromp through the "field" of crypto from one of the pullouts after crossing Courthouse Wash. There is no established trail and the washes are sparse and scattered. Much easier to simply hike up CW.

Cheers. Feb 19, 2014

This might sound weird but is this crack getting thinner? I climbed it on Wednesday initially apprehensive I didn't have enough big gear as the Supertopo guide describes the crux as wide and demanding (I have small hands) and I had accidentally left my #3 Camalots at camp. Short story is it was a comfortable lead using nothing bigger than #2 Camalots (I placed 3)... Maybe I could have found a place for a #3 but I don't think a #4 camalot would fit anywhere on the route so I would not bring anything bigger than maybe a single #3. There is a bomber #2 placement right below the ow so I would recommend not bothering with the big gear on this route. I also second the approach beta. The field in front of the climb is a minefield of crypto with no established trail. I don't think there is an established trail to courthouse wash either but at least that distance is shorter. Apr 27, 2014

Climbed this route today and found the initial start and the offwidth sandy and the holds crumbly. However, the main corner system seemed solid to me. But as Todd says, don't take this climb for granite! :D

For what it's worth, I sewed this climb up and I don't have a desert rack. In C4's I used a .4, .5, an overcammed .75, 1, 2, and a tricky to place #3 right before the offwidth. Also, in Metolius Power Cams I used a 7, and an overcammed 8.

A beautiful route, in a beautiful area, with a beautiful vista, on a beautiful day.

Feb 6, 2015