White Domes-- West Peak

The west peak as seen from the parking area. The distinctive pinnacle is not the highpoint, which is a good thing; because the White Domes are in a section of the park that is not open to technical rock climbing, and because almost no one in his/her right mind would try climbing this pinnacle without being roped up, the pinnacle is pretty much unclimbable. This picture shows an alternative, and more challenging, start to the climb than the sandstone ramps that offer the easiest way (Class 2) to reach the upper sections of the peak, where things get a little narrower and more exposed and where some fun Class 3 and 4 opportunities exist. A different picture shows those ramps. This alternative gully has the look of Class 4 conditions when it comes to exiting it. Because I had a 4-year-old kid with me at the time and thought negotiating the exit would be too difficult (and unsafe) with him, I did not climb this gully, so my observations are based on my examinations from above, not on my actual experience with the section. The east peak is the higher of the two, but the west peak has more exposure and overall is more fun to climb, in my opinion. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada-- April 2009