Located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (aka RRCNCA or just "Red Rocks), few people consider Black Velvet Peak to be a peak bagging objective. Instead, most climbers are drawn to the amazing sandstone on Black Velvet Wall. The Wall is home to world famous multi-pitch face, crack, and chimney climbs like Dream of Wild Turkeys (5.10-), Prince of Darkness (5.10c), Sour Mash (5.10-), and the most classic of them all: Epinephrine (5.9, IV/V). The easiest summit route (also the descent route for technical climbs that reach the summit) is a class 3 scramble. See the Epinephrine route page (under Descent) for information on this route. Black Velvet Canyon offers another non-technical means of reaching the summit.

Summit elevation provided by cp0915 - thanks!

Rebolt Effort: Rick P. points out that ASCA had rebolted most of the classic's on Black Velvet Wall in the Spring of 2001 (over 150 bolts replaced). Done with full permission of Jorge et al. Note that many not so classic routes still offer you the original, museum experience.

Getting There

Getting to the trailhead involves driving on a rough dirt road, but a normal passenger car can easily make it. Take SR-160 west for 4.6 miles past the intersection with SR-159 (there's a gas station here) to a dirt road. It's easy to miss the dirt road (there's a stop sign on the dirt road where it joins the SR-159). If you see mile marker 16, you have passed it and need to turn around. Drive over the cattle guard and follow the dirt road, staying on the "main" track (essentially bearing right or going straight all the time). After a couple miles, you'll be forced to bear left (gate blocks the road straight ahead). Somewhere along this road there used to be a "Black Velvet Trailhead" sign. Take the road all the way to the parking area near the entrance to Black Velvet Canyon (wide pullout at end of driveable road). Driving time from the state highway is 30-45 minutes (depending on clearance).

Red Tape

No permits or passes are required for day use. Black Velvet Peak is in RRCNCA , but it is not along the "Scenic Loop Road", so no entrance fee is required. Camping is NOT allowed anywhere along the access dirt road or at the trailhead.

When To Climb

Fall through spring is the best time to climb. In the winter, it can be cold, but it can also be 70 degrees. Check the forecast before you go. In the fall and spring, it can be unbearably hot, so beware. However, if you must climb in hot weather, routes on the Black Velvet Wall (like Prince of Darkness) as well as Epinephrine offer shady climbing (after about noon).

Camping

Camping is officially NOT allowed at the trailhead, but I have seen people camp there many times without any trouble.

The most convenient truly legal camping area is the "13-Mile Campground". It's located just 2 miles east of the Visitor Center on NV SR-159. This is an improved BLM site that includes picnic tables, grills, water and toilets, however, no RV hookups are available. Permits are required and available by calling (702) 647-5050. Reservations are available for groups only. You can also get more information by contacting the RRCNCA listed under the Mountain Conditions Section. (Ref: John).

Mountain Conditions

BLM Red Rock Canyon
National Conservation Area
HCR 33, Box 5500
Las Vegas, Nevada, 89124
Phone: (702) 363-1921

Climbing Rangers at Red Rocks (very nice and helpful):
702-515-5138 or
702-515-5042

External Links

Photo Description of Epinephrine
A nice "photo essay" of the route.
Slide Show
Slide show of the class 3 scramble to the summit of Black Velvet Peak

Images



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