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Black Track

5.9, Trad, 60 ft (18 m),  Avg: 2.9 from 229 votes
FA: Joe Herbst
Nevada > Southern Nevada > Red Rocks > (07) Willow Spring > Hidden Falls Wall
Warning Access Issue: Red Rock RAIN AND WET ROCK: The sandstone is fragile and is very easily damaged when wet. DetailsDrop down

Description

Black Track is the obvious right leaning crack that goes up the middle of Hidden Falls Wall. The climb is well protected but is a bit off-width in places and can be a little clumsy. Otherwise, the climb is an excellent workout on hand and fist crack. When done, rappel the route with one rope. A short second pitch with two bolts on the face (5.11c) has also been done.

Protection

A few medium to large nuts plus a full rack of cams up to 4 inches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Black Track
[Hide Photo] Black Track
The start of Black track which is at hidden falls left.
[Hide Photo] The start of Black track which is at hidden falls left.
Black Track, a fun classic in the red rocks
[Hide Photo] Black Track, a fun classic in the red rocks
Maidy following Black Track.
[Hide Photo] Maidy following Black Track.
Jonny on Black Track 7/13/2005.
[Hide Photo] Jonny on Black Track 7/13/2005.
Are you morphing into a spider?
[Hide Photo] Are you morphing into a spider?
Jonny leading Black Track on a hot summer day. It actually wasn't that bad in the shade. Very nice area to climb on a summer afternoon.
[Hide Photo] Jonny leading Black Track on a hot summer day. It actually wasn't that bad in the shade. Very nice area to climb on a summer afternoon.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Ian Wolfe
Fayetteville, NC
  5.9
[Hide Comment] An awesome crack climb for Red Rock! There are a few awkward spots, but overall the route felt pretty mellow because it is well protected. A great warm-up climb for Left Out! Apr 7, 2006
L. Hamilton
  5.9
[Hide Comment] Bring your old hexes -- they work as well or better than those newfangled cams on this route. Mar 22, 2009
billdlee
las vegas
  5.9
[Hide Comment] great crack to practice jamming. Well protected. Apr 20, 2009
[Hide Comment] New ASCA anchor on this one Sep 13, 2011
Peter Lewis
Bridgton, ME
  5.9
[Hide Comment] This is a good short crack. Steep, with good jams. Not your basic RR jug haul next to a crack--you actually have to jam it. Apr 27, 2012
Jared Wicks
Las Vegas
  5.9
[Hide Comment] Stellar route! This climb has a little bit of everything with easy gear placements. The crack is superb. Anchors at the top are bomber and look like they have brand new rap rings on them. Jul 17, 2013
[Hide Comment] If you do the .11c extension, be aware that there is no anchor, at least not that I could find. There is an old 1/4" stud with no hanger but that's it. I reversed the mantle and jumped off, then down-aided the two closely-spaced draws. Dec 1, 2014
Daniel Bookless
Portland, OR
  5.9
[Hide Comment] One of my most rewarding leads at red rock! Also it's certainly more than 60 feet. I used most of a 70m to get back to the ground. Mar 27, 2016
Flint Moon
Thousand Oaks, CA
[Hide Comment] Cool climb, little funky at times. But well protected. Apr 5, 2017
William Thiry
Las Vegas
  5.9+
[Hide Comment] An area classic. Somewhat stout for a 5.9. This route combined with Ragged Edges makes for a terrific day of trad climbing. Jul 17, 2018
Keith Boone
Henderson, NV
 
[Hide Comment] Please let me know what you think. Trying to video more of my climbs.

youtu.be/JkpSUIyEN9A Sep 12, 2019
[Hide Comment] Great pitch of climbing and one of my recent favorite single pitch climbs in Red Rock. It protects well throughout the climb and ends on good bolt anchors. It has a good combination of crack, stem and face moves to keep the climbing interesting. Definitely will do this one again. Apr 18, 2023