Page Type: | Mountain/Rock |
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Lat/Lon: | 36.27600°N / 115.591°W |
Activities: | Sport Climbing |
Elevation: | 7200 ft / 2195 m |
As the name suggests, the crag is good for newer climbers, especially newer leaders, because grades start at 5.4 and bolts are pretty closely spaced (11 clips on some routes). The longest routes are about 65' and the shortest half that. Expect rings or chains for anchors.
Despite the welcoming grades and a short approach, this crag does not seem to get a great deal of traffic, perhaps because it is not that close to where the bulk of Charleston's climbing takes place.
And with an altitude of over 7000', Starter Crag, which faces east, is an excellent destination on summer afternoons after 3:00 or so, when one can find shade and the 80s when temperatures down in Vegas are well over 100.
The best parking place, though, is a tiny pullout (room for just one car) just uphill from the crag and on the crag side of the road. Parking here reduces the approach to just a couple of minutes. On three occasions, I have parked there and rangers have gone by without making an issue of it; just make sure you are completely off the road. The photo below shows this spot.
A short, steep, and slippery trail leads up to the crag. The footing is worst closer to the road. Be very careful about sending rocks careening down onto the road.
From left to right as you face the crag:
None.
Spring through fall.
Forest Service campgrounds are nearby; some dispersed camping is available along the drive in.