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Dark Shadows -5.8 popular Average Rating = 4.50/5 Average Rating : 4.50 out of 5

Route sequence (left to right): 2

Route Summary | Ascent Notes (87)

Rock
3
A nice variety to about a #3.5 camalot.
Consensus Ratings
  Difficulty 5.8
  Safety Rating G
  Exposure 3.95/5
  Rock Quality 4.70/5
  Scenery 4.70/5
  Fun Factor 4.75/5

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: 503
Route ID: 3872

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87 Ascents Recorded

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Ratings
  Difficulty 5.8
  Safety Rating G
  Exposure
  Rock Quality
  Scenery
  Fun Factor
Red Point Red Point ascent by: vegastradguy on 2008-09-14 (View Climbing Log)

5 out of 5 stars great climb

took my girl on her first multipitch on this classic- havent been on it in years and i cant believe its been so long!

Added: 2008-09-14

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Ratings
  Difficulty 5.8
  Safety Rating G
Second Second ascent by: peakchaser on 2008-08-03 (View Climbing Log)

5 out of 5 stars Dark Shadows

revisited this classic but led the first couple pitches finally. :) funnnn.

Added: 2008-08-04

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Ratings
  Difficulty 5.8
  Safety Rating G
  Exposure
  Rock Quality
  Scenery
  Fun Factor
Onsight Onsight ascent by: 3pin on 2008-06-22 (View Climbing Log)

5 out of 5 stars Dark Shadows (notso)

Hit the rock by 0800 hrs. Lower P and a half in sun. Was actually shaded a little later. Probably didn't need to be at the gate at 0545! Only six climbers total for a w/e.
Water pools still flowing, not gamey in the least (yet).

Added: 2008-07-01

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Ratings
  Difficulty 5.8
  Safety Rating PG13
  Exposure
  Rock Quality
  Scenery
  Fun Factor
Onsight Onsight ascent by: Kernclimber on 2008-06-28 (View Climbing Log)

5 out of 5 stars Dark Shadows

Rock quality is great with good holds. Gear placement is easy. In the afternoon the wall is shaded and the weather was fine even with Las Vegas reporting 105 F. Of course you get in the sun during the approach which is uncomfortable.

Added: 2008-06-30

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Ratings
  Difficulty 5.8
  Safety Rating G
  Exposure
  Rock Quality
  Scenery
  Fun Factor
Onsight Onsight ascent by: ldsclimber on 2008-06-24 (View Climbing Log)

4 out of 5 stars fun

really fun must do in red rocks

Added: 2008-06-24

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