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Elevation: 7,200 ft
GPS: 36.05903, -112.14738
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 17,505 total · 106/month
Shared By: Osprey Overhang on Oct 17, 2010 · Updates
Admins: Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen

Description Suggest change

This is the first amphitheater encountered when accessing the Bright Angel Walls from the approach trail. The amphitheater is east facing and offers good morning sun in the fall and spring, while also offering good afternoon shade in the summer. All day shade chasing is possible here in summer as a few high quality sport climbs actually face west. Winter climbing is not out of the question, just make sure all the ice has been melted before trying to scramble down into this crag.

The climbs here are short, mixed sport and traditional. Some of the climbs have bolted anchors while some use trees. There is decent limestone here with cool fossils and sea shells all around.

Getting There Suggest change

From the shuttle bus stop at the beginning of the Hermit's Rest Road, walk west 200 yards along the South Rim Trail until you reach the first switchback. The switchback cuts left, and a small climbers path cuts off of the pavement to the right. Follow this path 50ft until you reach a large flat piont with a boulder on top of it that overlooks the amphitheater to the west (left).

All of the climbs here are accessed from two ledges. To access the upper ledge, find the small cave and downclimb a few moves (4th). To access the lower ledge, scramble down the gully in the middle of the amphitheater (3rd). You can also rappell directly onto the lower ledge from bolts found on the west side of the large flat point with the boulder on top of it that overlooks the amphitheater. Do this with one rope.

This can be a high profile area because the climbs on the upper ledge topout on the popular South Rim Trail. Expect many questions and to be gawked at by tourists.

9 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Wailing Wall

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 6
Rip Off
Sport
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 12
Black Bawl
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Rip Off
 6
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport
Black Bawl
 12
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport
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