Red Rock Climbing
Overview
Cactus Flower Tower is one of toughest peaks in Red Rock Canyon. The easist route goes around 5.3. It's a short pitch, but exposed. The hike through Oak Creek Canyon is beatuful. Normally there's water in the canyon making the hike in even better!Getting There
From Vegas take Charleston Blvd. to Red Rock Canyon.Drive the Scenic Loop Road 12 miles to the signed turnoff for Oak Creek Canyon. Drive 0.7 mile and park at the trailhead.
Route Description
Follow the trail SW about one mile to the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon. Go west in the wash and boulder to where the canyon divides. There’s some easy class 3 bouldering in this first part of the canyon. At the divide continue in the main canyon; do not go into the north (right) fork. Technically, you are in the middle fork of Oak Creek Canyon. Continue up the canyon until you come to the south (left) fork of Oak Creek. Scramble up the mouth of the canyon on class 2/3 rock for about 40 feet. Now start climbing out of the wash by heading left up the slabs. Once up the slabs follow cairns about 80 yards to a chute. Climb the chute (class 3). Walk north on a wide ledge paralleling a wall to your right. Scramble up the wall (class 3). This is the first weakness in the wall and it’s cairned. Head south scrambling up easy rock until you see the notch and ponderosa. Make your way to the notch by staying to the right of the ponderosa and hopefully finding a path that cuts through the brush. Once up the notch immediately climb the wall (class3+) to the left.The route now heads NE for the ridge, although getting onto the ridge requires some route finding. Look for cairns. The ascent can be kept to class 3. There’s quite a view from the ridge. See Photo.
View from summit ridge
Follow the ridge climbing a class 3 wall as you aim for the summit block. Continue to the class 5 climb in the photo. Once up, veer right into a chute marked by two chockstones. Climb the chute (class 3/4 - maybe a rope present). Once above the chute, continue on easy rock to the summit
class 5 climb
Essential Gear
A 100- foot rope makes descending the class 5 section a snap. Either handline down or rap.Other than that good hiking boots with Stealth rubber make the climbing easier.
External Links
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