Scrambled up the route from Juniper Canyon as a Plan B while waiting for the rock to dry out for technical climbing. With CP, DB, Luca, Ephrat, Jeff, Kyle, Steph, Ryan & Abe.
ridgeard3230 - Apr 16, 2013 9:08 am Date Climbed: Apr 15, 2013
From Lovell canyon
hwy 160 Mountain Springs,turned north at the saloon taking the dirt road behind the DOT station. Drove for approx. 1/2 mile and parked. Hike the dirt road to the top of the ridge going across country to the north/south ridge going to Mountain Springs Peak.
Black Velvet is in view from there. Took the limestone ridge down to where it meets the sandstone. Followed the cairns to the peak. very easy route.
DougHemken - Apr 2, 2013 12:24 pm Date Climbed: Mar 27, 2013
via Juniper Canyon
up the route under Rainbow Wall. Devious! Down via Oak Creek.
Tried to get to the top of that gorgeous Cloud Tower but got stuck behind some parties and turned back with only two pitches to go!
SKI - Dec 30, 2009 8:46 pm Date Climbed: Nov 19, 2009
Ahhh so close!
Solar slab the whole way. Two pitches from the top. Ahhhrrrgh haha!
Bob Burd - Dec 11, 2009 2:01 pm Date Climbed: Nov 23, 2009
Via Oak Creek Canyon
With Matthew on a fine day around Thanksgiving. Trip Report
WML - Nov 23, 2009 11:04 am Date Climbed: Nov 21, 2009
Route Climbed: Solar Slab Gully + Solar Slab
Got through the first two pitches of Solar Slab itself, then had to bail thanks to a lack of sunlight. CLASSIC climb!!!! I'm still amazed RR does not get more traffic! Spectacular climbing
ShinLV - Aug 5, 2009 3:13 am Date Climbed: May 10, 2009
Rainbow Peak
Branch Whitney lead 7 of us for 4 peaks (Juniper, Gunsight Notch, Rainbow and Mt.Wilson) peak in 1 Day hike.
About 13 mile and 8,000 ft elevation gain. Only 4 hikers made it. Check My Photo Album
jimegan - Feb 8, 2008 6:47 am Date Climbed: Jan 4, 2002
RAINBOW PK
CLIMBED WITH BRANDON ET AL VIA OAK CRK
ADDITIONAL VISITS:
PINE CRK/GUNSIGHT NOTCH 5/22/01
CLIMBED VIA OAK CRK 3/2/02 W/ALAN N
Also:
OAK CRK 1/21/03, 4/29/05, 10/3/05, 2/26/06, 3/15/15
JUNIPER CYN SCRAMBLE 4/26/07 5/22/08, 1/26/14, 5/27/16, 4/19/17, 11/2/20, 10/8/22
RAINBOW 360 (counterclockwise) with Peter, Barb and Harlan 5/23/10, Also 1/25/15 w/Barb, Jacquie and Tom, 12/20/20 from loop exit, ditto 1/11/21
RAINBOW DIRECT 12/12/12, 2/21/13, 12/3/13, 3/23/14, 11/15/16,
RAINBOW W/O LEDGES up/Rainbow Direct down 5/5/16
RAINBOW 360 (clockwise) 4/15/21, 4/13/22, 5/10/23
Bike/hike/climb 6/24/19, 4/12/20, 3/31/21
ibndalight - Dec 18, 2007 11:45 pm Date Climbed: Dec 13, 2007
Route: SunDog
Fun day climb startted at 7am and ended about 3pm we were walking out in the dark after an hour of raping
BranchWhitney - May 7, 2007 10:00 am Date Climbed: May 6, 2007
Rainbow Peak without the Ledges
Just led a group of 13 up this new route that Richard N. and I found in April 2007. It cuts the distance in half compared to any other route. I believe it is the best route in Red Rock.
Anya Jingle - Mar 13, 2007 10:35 pm Date Climbed: May 27, 2005
Via Juniper Canyon and Gunsight Notch
The route via Oak Creek is more scenic than this one. However, this is a guick way to get up both Rainbow Peak and Rainbow Wall. Photos are here: Rainbow Peak and Wall via Gunsight Notch
Cookie Addict - Mar 21, 2006 1:00 am Date Climbed: Mar 16, 2006
Great Mountain
I and a buddy were waiting at the gate when it opened and were the first on-route – just barely. We fought the cold and wind all the way up Crimson Chrysalis and it took a total of 9 hours for us to ascend and rap off the route. It truly was a fantastic route. The trail there is real confusing, hike in the area beforehand. Get there very early. Bring extra layers and a pee bottle.
rickford - Mar 15, 2006 4:00 pm Date Climbed: Mar 7, 2006
Solar Slab/ Solar Gulley
Started a bit too late and was slowed down by the fact that I was climbing with two others as a three person team. Overall, A rather spectacular climb! We made it to the 9th pitch (including the Solar gulley 'pitches'). The first pitch of Solar Slab was perfect: Exposed, long, easy, and excellent gear placements. Bring a jacket in late winter- for there is nothing 'solar' about the route during such times. Thanks Aarash for recommending such an excellent route, wish you could have been there with us! (BTW Josh, your sub 25 minute ascent of this route makes me want to quit climbing :-)
Route Climbed: From Juniper Canyon Date Climbed: Oct 12, 2003; Oct 10, 2004
Route-finding on the last ridge is a bit tricky, and rather unforgiving. The fastest way up is via Juniper Canyon, and around the backside of Rainbow Wall, but that route is very confusing. The Oak Cr route described here is a better choice for 1st-timers.
The "Rainbow Mountain" described here is what Branch Whitney refers to as "Rainbow Peak". The "Rainbow Mountain" described by the DPS is actually the "Rainbow Wall" described here (summitpost) and in Branch Whitney's guides.
The USGS map has a label "Rainbow Mountain" on the topo near the 6810' peak, but the USGS names are not sacrosanct, and were usually picked by asking locals, "what's that?" Check out the label for "Bridge Mountain" if you need convincing. However, the USGS deci_nv file lists:
...so they have further ingrained that the 6810' peak is
"Rainbow Mountain".
From the scenic loop, the 6810' "Peak" looks dominant. But from the Lovell Canyon side -- the traditional hiking route, before the late 90's-- the "Peak" is just a lump, and the 6924' "Wall" is the obvious highpoint.
To add to the confusion, the Las Vegas Mountaineers' Club used to list "Rainbow Peak" as 6924', as a summit on their peakbagger list. I asked ffor a clarification on this, and was told that they meant the 6924' summit ("Wall") was the intended goal for peak-baggers.
Few people ever go to the 6810' Peak described here, partly because of the class 4 downclimb. Usually, when people say they've hiked up Rainbow Mountain, they mean "Rainbow Wall".
Power Failure (Mar. ??, 2009). Nice climbing in a small package (3P). Shirley took the middle (crux) pitch. Final pitch was soft for 10a. TR here.
Black Orpheus (Oct. 7, 2007). Shirley & I climbed this swapping leads. I somehow did not have big expectations for this route (mid 30% of it is kinda forgettable) but we actually had a very fun time on it. The pitches that get the high rating (.9 & .9+/10a) were actually kind of what one would expect. We found the last 2 pitches kind of harder than expected esp. the 5.5 slab at the very top...in fact ST has the very top of P11 labeled as 5.2. Maybe I missed an easier line?? Descent & hike out were long. Passed Fred Beckey day before as he was hiking into Pine Creek.
Ginger Cracks (Nov. 26, 2004). Final and best route of our trip to RR. Wonderful mix of climbing. The chimney on P2 looks intimidating but is in fact a ton of fun (stellar pro). Doesn't feel as exposed as Crimson but the climbing is more varied (and unlike Crimson has only 1 hanging belay). 5.9 pitch seems to have run into a retrobolter (bolts in places that take small cams - why?). I pulled off a 1X1 foot block on that pitch and after giving everyone on the wall a loud, profanity-ladden warning, launched it down.
Beulah's Book(Nov. 25, 2004). Great short route. The short chimney is unforgettable. The layback above is easier than it looks. There was human (or I should say subhuman filthy animal) turd above chimney on P2. We thought about doing Solar Slab but changed our minds when we got in line, took the number and it read "11"....next time.
Crimson Chrysalis (Jul. 11, 2004). Shirley and I climbed this under the July sun. Actually conditions on the climb were perfect. The route is in the shade most of the day and cool breezes roll through constantly. Best part of the day was the fact that we were the only people on route ALL day. Unbelievable!! The route is beautiful and truly deserves its status as a classic. Have never climbed a 5.8 like this before. It takes a straight line up the nearly vertical north face of Cloud Tower (I think it IS vertical for first 3.5 pitches). You get this "big wall" feel as all the belays (excpt two) are hanging. All belays are beautifully (triply or quadruply) bolted (and equipped with rap rings). All bolts (except ones on P9) are shiny new and beefy. This was the 2nd highpoint of the climbing season so far this year (1st being the Tip of Lost Arrow Spire in Yos.)!!
Johnny Vegas (Jan. 3, 2004). Fun short route. P2 seemed a bit runout.
Solar Slab Gully (Jan. 1, 2003) incl. 1st pitch of Solar Slab. Will go back sometime to finish SS.
Andinistaloco - Jul 15, 2022 9:34 am Date Climbed: Mar 11, 2016
Good timesDirect I think was the name? Nice and airy... I don't generally dig fixed ropes but they were necessary for this one. Fun day.
Tracy - Apr 23, 2016 9:26 pm Date Climbed: Apr 22, 2016
via Rainbow DirectClimbed this on with Harlan, CP, Aron and Jason P. Descended via Oak Creek Canyon.
SarahThompson - Apr 30, 2015 2:26 pm Date Climbed: Apr 26, 2015
Via Juniper CanyonScrambled up the route from Juniper Canyon as a Plan B while waiting for the rock to dry out for technical climbing. With CP, DB, Luca, Ephrat, Jeff, Kyle, Steph, Ryan & Abe.
ridgeard3230 - Apr 16, 2013 9:08 am Date Climbed: Apr 15, 2013
From Lovell canyonhwy 160 Mountain Springs,turned north at the saloon taking the dirt road behind the DOT station. Drove for approx. 1/2 mile and parked. Hike the dirt road to the top of the ridge going across country to the north/south ridge going to Mountain Springs Peak.
Black Velvet is in view from there. Took the limestone ridge down to where it meets the sandstone. Followed the cairns to the peak. very easy route.
DougHemken - Apr 2, 2013 12:24 pm Date Climbed: Mar 27, 2013
via Juniper Canyonup the route under Rainbow Wall. Devious! Down via Oak Creek.
With Carissa Unger and Lewis Kunik.
rasgoat - Feb 25, 2012 10:07 am
Crimson ChrysalisTried to get to the top of that gorgeous Cloud Tower but got stuck behind some parties and turned back with only two pitches to go!
SKI - Dec 30, 2009 8:46 pm Date Climbed: Nov 19, 2009
Ahhh so close!Solar slab the whole way. Two pitches from the top. Ahhhrrrgh haha!
Bob Burd - Dec 11, 2009 2:01 pm Date Climbed: Nov 23, 2009
Via Oak Creek CanyonWith Matthew on a fine day around Thanksgiving. Trip Report
WML - Nov 23, 2009 11:04 am Date Climbed: Nov 21, 2009
Route Climbed: Solar Slab Gully + Solar SlabGot through the first two pitches of Solar Slab itself, then had to bail thanks to a lack of sunlight. CLASSIC climb!!!! I'm still amazed RR does not get more traffic! Spectacular climbing
ShinLV - Aug 5, 2009 3:13 am Date Climbed: May 10, 2009
Rainbow PeakBranch Whitney lead 7 of us for 4 peaks (Juniper, Gunsight Notch, Rainbow and Mt.Wilson) peak in 1 Day hike.
About 13 mile and 8,000 ft elevation gain. Only 4 hikers made it.
Check My Photo Album
jimegan - Feb 8, 2008 6:47 am Date Climbed: Jan 4, 2002
RAINBOW PKCLIMBED WITH BRANDON ET AL VIA OAK CRK
ADDITIONAL VISITS:
PINE CRK/GUNSIGHT NOTCH 5/22/01
CLIMBED VIA OAK CRK 3/2/02 W/ALAN N
Also:
OAK CRK 1/21/03, 4/29/05, 10/3/05, 2/26/06, 3/15/15
JUNIPER CYN SCRAMBLE 4/26/07 5/22/08, 1/26/14, 5/27/16, 4/19/17, 11/2/20, 10/8/22
RAINBOW 360 (counterclockwise) with Peter, Barb and Harlan 5/23/10, Also 1/25/15 w/Barb, Jacquie and Tom, 12/20/20 from loop exit, ditto 1/11/21
RAINBOW DIRECT 12/12/12, 2/21/13, 12/3/13, 3/23/14, 11/15/16,
RAINBOW W/O LEDGES up/Rainbow Direct down 5/5/16
RAINBOW 360 (clockwise) 4/15/21, 4/13/22, 5/10/23
Bike/hike/climb 6/24/19, 4/12/20, 3/31/21
ibndalight - Dec 18, 2007 11:45 pm Date Climbed: Dec 13, 2007
Route: SunDogFun day climb startted at 7am and ended about 3pm we were walking out in the dark after an hour of raping
rpc - Dec 19, 2007 2:32 am
naughty, naughty!"we were walking out in the dark after an hour of raping"
...was it burros? :)
MoapaPk - Dec 24, 2007 1:29 am
Re: naughty, naughty!Thanks for a good chuckle!
BranchWhitney - May 7, 2007 10:00 am Date Climbed: May 6, 2007
Rainbow Peak without the LedgesJust led a group of 13 up this new route that Richard N. and I found in April 2007. It cuts the distance in half compared to any other route. I believe it is the best route in Red Rock.
Anya Jingle - Mar 13, 2007 10:35 pm Date Climbed: May 27, 2005
Via Juniper Canyon and Gunsight NotchThe route via Oak Creek is more scenic than this one. However, this is a guick way to get up both Rainbow Peak and Rainbow Wall. Photos are here: Rainbow Peak and Wall via Gunsight Notch
Cookie Addict - Mar 21, 2006 1:00 am Date Climbed: Mar 16, 2006
Great MountainI and a buddy were waiting at the gate when it opened and were the first on-route – just barely. We fought the cold and wind all the way up Crimson Chrysalis and it took a total of 9 hours for us to ascend and rap off the route. It truly was a fantastic route. The trail there is real confusing, hike in the area beforehand. Get there very early. Bring extra layers and a pee bottle.
rickford - Mar 15, 2006 4:00 pm Date Climbed: Mar 7, 2006
Solar Slab/ Solar GulleyStarted a bit too late and was slowed down by the fact that I was climbing with two others as a three person team. Overall, A rather spectacular climb! We made it to the 9th pitch (including the Solar gulley 'pitches'). The first pitch of Solar Slab was perfect: Exposed, long, easy, and excellent gear placements. Bring a jacket in late winter- for there is nothing 'solar' about the route during such times. Thanks Aarash for recommending such an excellent route, wish you could have been there with us! (BTW Josh, your sub 25 minute ascent of this route makes me want to quit climbing :-)
MoapaPk - Dec 1, 2005 10:38 pm
Route Climbed: From Juniper Canyon Date Climbed: Oct 12, 2003; Oct 10, 2004Route-finding on the last ridge is a bit tricky, and rather unforgiving. The fastest way up is via Juniper Canyon, and around the backside of Rainbow Wall, but that route is very confusing. The Oak Cr route described here is a better choice for 1st-timers.
The "Rainbow Mountain" described here is what Branch Whitney refers to as "Rainbow Peak". The "Rainbow Mountain" described by the DPS is actually the "Rainbow Wall" described here (summitpost) and in Branch Whitney's guides.
The USGS map has a label "Rainbow Mountain" on the topo near the 6810' peak, but the USGS names are not sacrosanct, and were usually picked by asking locals, "what's that?" Check out the label for "Bridge Mountain" if you need convincing. However, the USGS deci_nv file lists:
845609|NV|Rainbow Mountain|summit|Clark|32|003|360629N|1152922W|36.10806|-115.48944|||||6810|||Blue Diamond
...so they have further ingrained that the 6810' peak is
"Rainbow Mountain".
From the scenic loop, the 6810' "Peak" looks dominant. But from the Lovell Canyon side -- the traditional hiking route, before the late 90's-- the "Peak" is just a lump, and the 6924' "Wall" is the obvious highpoint.
To add to the confusion, the Las Vegas Mountaineers' Club used to list "Rainbow Peak" as 6924', as a summit on their peakbagger list. I asked ffor a clarification on this, and was told that they meant the 6924' summit ("Wall") was the intended goal for peak-baggers.
Few people ever go to the 6810' Peak described here, partly because of the class 4 downclimb. Usually, when people say they've hiked up Rainbow Mountain, they mean "Rainbow Wall".
rpc - Dec 3, 2004 5:31 pm
Route Climbed: Multiple Date Climbed: MultiplePower Failure (Mar. ??, 2009). Nice climbing in a small package (3P). Shirley took the middle (crux) pitch. Final pitch was soft for 10a. TR here.
Black Orpheus (Oct. 7, 2007). Shirley & I climbed this swapping leads. I somehow did not have big expectations for this route (mid 30% of it is kinda forgettable) but we actually had a very fun time on it. The pitches that get the high rating (.9 & .9+/10a) were actually kind of what one would expect. We found the last 2 pitches kind of harder than expected esp. the 5.5 slab at the very top...in fact ST has the very top of P11 labeled as 5.2. Maybe I missed an easier line?? Descent & hike out were long. Passed Fred Beckey day before as he was hiking into Pine Creek.
Ginger Cracks (Nov. 26, 2004). Final and best route of our trip to RR. Wonderful mix of climbing. The chimney on P2 looks intimidating but is in fact a ton of fun (stellar pro). Doesn't feel as exposed as Crimson but the climbing is more varied (and unlike Crimson has only 1 hanging belay). 5.9 pitch seems to have run into a retrobolter (bolts in places that take small cams - why?). I pulled off a 1X1 foot block on that pitch and after giving everyone on the wall a loud, profanity-ladden warning, launched it down.
Beulah's Book(Nov. 25, 2004). Great short route. The short chimney is unforgettable. The layback above is easier than it looks. There was human (or I should say subhuman filthy animal) turd above chimney on P2. We thought about doing Solar Slab but changed our minds when we got in line, took the number and it read "11"....next time.
Crimson Chrysalis (Jul. 11, 2004). Shirley and I climbed this under the July sun. Actually conditions on the climb were perfect. The route is in the shade most of the day and cool breezes roll through constantly. Best part of the day was the fact that we were the only people on route ALL day. Unbelievable!! The route is beautiful and truly deserves its status as a classic. Have never climbed a 5.8 like this before. It takes a straight line up the nearly vertical north face of Cloud Tower (I think it IS vertical for first 3.5 pitches). You get this "big wall" feel as all the belays (excpt two) are hanging. All belays are beautifully (triply or quadruply) bolted (and equipped with rap rings). All bolts (except ones on P9) are shiny new and beefy. This was the 2nd highpoint of the climbing season so far this year (1st being the Tip of Lost Arrow Spire in Yos.)!!
Johnny Vegas (Jan. 3, 2004). Fun short route. P2 seemed a bit runout.
Solar Slab Gully (Jan. 1, 2003) incl. 1st pitch of Solar Slab. Will go back sometime to finish SS.