Routes : North America : United States : Nevada : Red Rock Canyon : Pine Creek Canyon : Dark Shadows Area : Dark Shadows

Dark Shadows -5.8 popular

Average Rating : 4.52 out of 5 Route sequence (left to right): 2

Route Summary | Ascent Notes (90)

First Ascent:

Type of Climb:

Rock

Safety Rating:

Pitches:

Protection:

A nice variety to about a #3.5 camalot.

Length :

Consensus Ratings
Difficulty	5.8
Safety Rating	G
Exposure
Rock Quality
Scenery
Fun Factor

Description:

Dark Shadows is quite possibly the most popular trad line in Red Rocks, and deservedly so. The climbing is excellent on high quality rock. Start on a small boulder about 15' below a good bolt with a small dry patch to your left. Pitch 1: Climb straight up the slab past two bolts to the bottom of a left leaning ramp. At the base of a beautiful right facing dihedral are two bolts. Clip these, then head up the dihedral. Once at the top, traverse left and down to a 2 bolt belay. 5.7, 180' Pitch 2: Head straight up the right facing dihedral above for 110' to a two bolt stance. 5.7, 110' Pitch 3: Step right, and climb up the beautiful right arching crack (right of the dihedral) for 75' to a two bolt belay. 5.8, 75' Rappel to descend as follows: One double rope rappel to the base of the second pitch. One more double rope to the ground. Variation: Although it's rarely done, this climb does go to the top of Mescalito. From the last belay, instead of belaying here, continue up and right for another 20' to a bolted belay. The climb continues upward for another 6 moderate pitches. Descent: Luckily for climbers, there is a somewhat well-beaten hikers trail to the top of Mescalito. From the summit: Head west to the saddle between Mescalito and the walls above, then drop off to the right, contouring west and north along the canyon wall, following cairns and the easy path down. Eventually you will arrive at the base of the canyon- make a right and head east back to the base of Dark Shadows. If done correctly, no rappels are involved.

Submitted by: vegastradguy on 2005-04-03
Views: 695
Route ID: 3872

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