Red Rocks Climbing Guide: Classic Routes You Don’t Want to Miss

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area is a bucket list climbing destination, and no
opportunity to visit should be missed. Whether seeking out full day multipitch deep in the canyons,
or a day of nearly roadside cragging, Red Rock offers it all. Here are a couple great itineraries for
a trip to Red Rock with Golden Mountain Guides:

Cookie Monster into Cat in the Hat

Climber in Red Rocks on Cat in the Hat and Cookie Monster

An ultra classic moderate offering a wide range of climbing styles over 6 pitches of incredible stone, this climb is not to be missed. Cookie Monster follows a beautiful hueco filled corner up 2-3 fun pitches to join Cat in the Hat for its best upper pitches. Cracks, stemming, and a touch of slab at the top make this a varied and incredible climb, and one of the best at the difficulty anywhere. After this linkup, or as a separate day, wrapping around the corner brings you to Mescalito’s East and North Face, where more great lines like Dark Shadows and Pauligk Pillar await.

Dark Shadows

Cross a gurgling creek, then cast up this incredible climb. Many choose to just climb the first four pitches which makes for an incredible shorter day, or great way to squeeze in a couple pitches around other area classics. For a longer adventure Dark Shadows continues another 6-pitches to the summit of Mescalito. At 5.8, Dark Shadows is hard to beat with incredible position, and a shady aspect making it comfortable on warmer days.

Olive Oil

Another area classic 5 pitches of 5.7 of Rose Tower. This site of many engagements (see mountain project) this route offers great views, fun climbing, and a variety of movement that will keep you engaged up to a beautiful summit.

Dream of Wild Turkeys

Wanting to push the grade, climb a lot of pitches, and stay cool in the shade? Dream of Wild Turkeys offers endless face climbing up the steep and intimidating Black Velvet Wall.

Willow Springs

If cragging is more your speed, or you’re looking for an active “rest day” Willow Springs offers many
days’ worth of fun and varied climbing. Most routes in this area are single pitch with a quick rap or
walk off to get you back to the base of the next objective. Crooked Crack at 5.5 is hard to beat in
terms of fun cruiser climbing, while Ragged Edges offers great crack climbing in a short punchy
package. Stepping up, Black Track will have you puzzling through 5.9 in its mix of jamming,
stemming and face climbing up the steep varnished walls.

Sport climbs

Did you travel all the way out to the Nevada desert to clip bolts? To each their own… While most
famous for its long traditional routes deep in the wilderness canyon, Red Rock does boast some of
the best sport climbing in the country both on the namesake Red Rock, or for a rainy day on the
prolific limestone crags around the Mojave desert.

Climbing in Red Rocks has to many routes to count, and remember these are just a few. Looking to explore Red Rocks conservation area? Book an AMGA guide today to lead you along these legendary and classic routes.