PRINT: Rock Climb Agent Orange, Red Rocks

Agent Orange

5.12b, Sport, 80 ft (24 m),

Avg: 3.8 from 106 votes
FA: Paul Van Betten
Nevada > Southern Nevada > Red Rocks > Sandstone Quarry > Wake Up Wall Area > Sonic Youth Wall

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

Climb the very crimpy face on vertical to slightly overhanging rock to a bad rest. The crux comes at about 3/4 of the way up and if that's not enough its still hard 11 after that and by then you're PUMPED. Long fall potential off the top if your too pumped to make the final moves to the anchor.

Location

3rd route from the right side of the cliff.

Protection

7 bolts, Chain anchor

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Agent Orange goes up the orange streak between the two black water streaks.

Serg's first attempt at AO

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

B L
Innsbruck

this is a sport climb. you don't need any gear. Feb 22, 2009

Josh Janes

The second bolt on this route was replaced courtesy of the ASCA with 1/2" stainless hardware in March 2012. If you use and appreciate updated bolts in Red Rocks, consider a donation to the ASCA at safeclimbing.org. Mar 14, 2012

Patrick Martinez
Mesa, AZ

Yesterday, I was cleaning my draws while being lowered off, and when I went to reach for the dogbone of my draw that was clipped to the second bolt, the bolt and hanger pulled clean out with a terrifyingly minimal amount of force. No one was hurt, but I am incompetent and without a drill, so the bolt and hanger were left clipped to the first bolt. The bolt appears to have been replaced relatively recently, and appears to be in good shape, but we guessed that many people likely stick clip and whip on the second bolt, in addition to the outward forces from belays away from the wall rather than under the draw, and possibly also loosening from climbers when the rock may still be wet - a happening of which we're all well aware. This is the first time I've experienced this here in red rock, and was certainly a reality check. Please be careful trusting single bolts!

Also, if you are experienced in replacing bolts, I would love to learn and help/assist/chip in/do it myself if you're willing to teach! Still gotta send this thing, after all :D Apr 7, 2016

Punter S. Thompson

12c. Mar 11, 2018

Andrew Chen
Seattle, WA

Excellent, sustained boulder problems. One of the best of the grade anywhere, and a very proud tick Jun 3, 2019

Bolter Bot

This route has been rebolted with fat 5/8" glue ins from the ASCA. Dec 29, 2020

Kalvin Hom
San Francisco, CA

5.12c

Very fun sustained climbing, with interesting moves throughout. It doesn't let up at the top either, keeps you on your toes the entire way! I thought it was quite hard for a 12b though, feeling more difficult than most Red Rock 12b's and even some of the easier 12c's. Dec 2, 2021

Austin Imperial
Seattle, WA

Very fun climb. 11 difficulty until the angle changes, then it turns on! save some juice for the top out. Mar 16, 2022

James Braithwaite

5.12b

Timelapse Beta Video: youtube.com/shorts/_Aj88yof… Dec 5, 2022

Laura Tociu
Las Vegas, NV

5.12c

youtu.be/EHqUgRU-TvI

Y'all here's my extremely refined beta video. Broke beta everywhere I could, just to make it even 1% easier, extended draws like crazy and even identified an "emergency" sidepull sloper at the end to stop on as an intermediate as I inevitably pump out of my mind.

As an enduro climber on an enduro route, I think this deserves 12c personally. Took me many tries. Apr 20, 2025