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The Last Unicorn

5.11a R, Trad, 230 ft (70 m), 2 pitches,  Avg: 3.2 from 9 votes
FA: 1st Pitch: Dave Evans, Craig Fry, Randy Vogel, 1980. Pitch 2: Alan Bartlett, Dan Michael, April 1981
California > Joshua Tree NP > Wonderland of R… > Wonderland North > Willow Hole Area > Super Dome
Warning Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures DetailsDrop down

Location

This route ascends the middle of the impressive south face of The Super Dome; taking the obvious line of weakness. Start just left of a left facing corner-block (Bleed Proof), behind a small oak tree. This route sports new 3/8 inch bolts and sporty climbing on both pitches. But for climbers solid at the grade, the line definitely beckons...

Description

P1: Climb up about 25 feet to a bolt (a small sling on a horn can protect getting to bolt). Head back down a bit, then begin a long traverse left (10b or so, R) until you can climb up to a 2nd bolt. Above, climb the obvious shallow, right facing corner past 3 more bolts (some gear required too) to a large ledge and 2 bolt belay. It is possible to rappel from here (100++ feet) or make 2 shorter rappels down Warpath (5.12c) which lies on the face to the left.

P2: Probably less done than the 1st pitch. Head pretty much straight up past 2 bolts and a fixed pin on steep and somewhat loose face (10b/c R).

From summit, downclimb right, then make a short rappel off top of Lion's Share on The Super Block, then head back left to the base. Alternatively, downclimb left and scramble down then up back to base.

Protection

Pitch 1: 5 bolts, Thin to 1.5 inches. 2 bolt anchor/100 foot rappel.Pitch 2: 2 bolts, 1 fixed pin, To 2 inches.

All the original protection and belay bolts on this route have been replaced by ASCA. The pin on the second pitch is still there. The pin and bolt at first pitch belay were replaced with two bolts with rappel rings.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

DE on the FA during the "Acid Traverse."<br>
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photo: DE collection
[Hide Photo] DE on the FA during the "Acid Traverse." photo: DE collection
Last Unicorn
[Hide Photo] Last Unicorn
Last Unicorn
[Hide Photo] Last Unicorn

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Randy
Lassitude 33
  5.11a
[Hide Comment] The topo (and description) in the guidebook (Joshua Tree West) is entirely accurate. If you are contemplating doing this route, you should consult the guidebook.

It is great that the bolts have been replaced, but it is still a heads-up lead. Dec 1, 2010
Todd Gordon
Joshua Tree, CA
[Hide Comment] This is all Dave Evans' fault....everyone knows this....... Dec 1, 2010
Fat Dad
Los Angeles, CA
[Hide Comment] I hiked back in there probably 12-15 years ago, and even then my partner and I looked at the bolts and kind of turned away in digust, which is saying something given I had been raised running it on quarter inchers at Suicide, etc. Pity, since the route looks awesome. May 3, 2011
Daniel Ws
Fountain valley
  5.10d R
[Hide Comment] Great climb ? Jul 29, 2014
Tradiban
  5.10c R
[Hide Comment] Good climb but still exfoliating, I dumped a nice size foot knob in the max of the runout, only 10b there though. After the R it's well protected, a finger cam or two after the last bolt. I don't think any of it ever touched 11a. Maxed out a 70m to reach the ground in one rap, beware the cactus at the base of Warpath. Jan 18, 2020
Gabriel Kerbs
Lander, Yeehaw!
  5.11a R
[Hide Comment] The top of the route sports an upgraded anchor, as well. Two raps to the deck w/ a 70m. Mar 6, 2023