PRINT: Rock Climb Perplexity, Red Rocks

Perplexity

5.10d, Trad, 150 ft (45 m),

Avg: 2.7 from 9 votes
FA: Todd Swain and Donette Swain, Oct 1984
Nevada > Southern Nevada > Red Rocks > Black Velvet Ca… > Whiskey Peak > N Face

Access Issue: Red Rock RAIN AND WET ROCK: The sandstone is fragile and is very easily damaged when wet. Details

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 dry sand), then do not climb. There are many alternatives (limestone, granite, basalt, and plastic) nearby.

HUMAN WASTE Human waste is one of the major issues plaguing Red Rocks. The Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council and the AAC provides free "wag bags" in several locations (Black Velvet, First Pullout, Kraft Mtn/Bouldering, 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 kit (just like your rope and shoes and lunch) no matter where you go. Once used, please dispose of them properly (do not throw them in the toilets at the parking area).

Description

Perplexity takes the black face past three bolts to a long, leaning obtuse corner just left of The Misunderstanding.

Climb up to the first bolt (welded coldshut) and perform a few cruxy moves up past the second bolt to a ledge and rest stance. Clip a third bolt (Swain homemade hanger), and traverse left and up easy rock to the base of the corner. Ascend this corner via thin locks and good face holds on the left wall. Bring your 00 TCUs and don't expect any fixed pins. Two single-rope raps down The Misunderstanding.

Protection

SR plus 2x 00 TCUs or equivalent gear. Brass can help too.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Matt on Perplexity...

Matt on Perplexity. Misunderstanding to the right.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Cunning Linguist

All pro bolts replaced with bomber ASCA stainless. Enjoy this unusual route! It got the name for a reason...

As far as gear goes, Jerry's guide reccommendations are a little strange. bring at least 2 00 TCUs, 3 will get used, and the largest piece you'll need other than that is a .75 (single). No Z1/Z2 required, and the lack of pins is not a bad thing, where they were placed, they weren't going to hold much. Good tips cam placements abound. The rock on the upper fingers section is brittle, beware taking wingers on the featured rock after the beautiful tips section. Traverse right under the roof to finish on anchors of Misunderstanding, which are now good. Sep 22, 2012

Michael Dom

In addition to cunning linguist's gear beta I would suggest a red ball but. Doubles of purple and blue metolius will also be well used. I only used one double 00 tcu. This climb is pretty funky but ends on cool climbing.

It felt harder than 10d. Jan 5, 2017