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Black Mamba Arete

5.8+, Sport,  Avg: 1.5 from 59 votes
FA: Brad and Trudy Scott
Colorado > Canon City > Shelf Rd > Gym

Description

To find this climb, locate the far south end of The Gym (where it meets the east corner of Spiney Ridge). Arrowhead Spire is the small detached pillar. Just to the north of this is a tall triangle shaped wall. On the right side of the wall is a slabby arete with dark grey rock with bolts. This is Black Mamba Arete.

Cruise up the corner on edges and flakes. The rock quality isn't that great, but it makes a good quick warmup (or something to run up while you are waiting for the rock to warm up). There isn't any particular crux to speak of. Be careful for loose rock.

Protection

9 bolts (?) and anchors.

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Black Mamba Arete.
[Hide Photo] Black Mamba Arete.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

[Hide Comment] While the description kind of pans the route, I enjoyed the climb. True there was no particular crux on the climb, but I enjoyed it overall. Apr 5, 2008
Sarah Meiser
Boulder, CO
 
[Hide Comment] Runout between 2nd & 3rd bolts might not have been the best idea. Easy climbing, yes, but crappy rock there, and if something blows, there is groundfall potential. Fun moves on better rock up high, but it seemed a little thin compared to other 8s at Shelf. Apr 7, 2013
Matt Pierce
Poncha Springs, CO
  5.8+
[Hide Comment] Some questionable loose holds. Be careful. Seems like this route may not see a lot of traffic. Good exposed arete up high though - worth doing. Apr 4, 2016
Alex Leslie
Brisbane, Queensland, AU
[Hide Comment] My partner pulled off a start hold... watch out for other loose holds. Sep 29, 2018
Matt Richardson
Longmont, CO
 
[Hide Comment] Heading up to clean gear off the route, managed to pull off a nice undercling around the second bolt and bounced off the ground. Dirty, dirty.... Oct 21, 2019
Dan Nguyen
San Francisco, CA
 
[Hide Comment] Yup, pulled off some holds after the third bolt.... Jun 10, 2020