Hello everyone, I am going to be doing the Original Route on the Rainbow Wall in Red Rocks in about a month and was wondering if anyone had some helpful hints on the route. Maybe tricky spots, special gear, descent, any thing that could be of assistance to me and just anything you want to tell me about the route in general, I love reading about others adventures also. Thanks for any beta any fellow cragmeister can give me.

-- Tony Rainieri (ajrainman@hotmail.com), March 20, 1998

Answers

The Rainbow Wall is a true adveture wall. Though the Original Route isn't hard, the 3-4 hour approach will keep you on the wall. It's not like the valley where you can rap off and in ten minutes be drinking a beer with a hot Pizza. There is a level of commenment. Beta: DO NOT BIVI AT THE BASE OF THE ROUTE!!! If there are people up above. There is an awesome bivi (patio) up there but my partner and I where almost cut in half by a falling rock doing a new route. (sleeping bags where destroyed!!) You can't always see climbers ahead of you. All the belays and pitches have brand new 3/4 or 1/2 bolts. The aid is clean and there is never a bolt to far away (from the free climing that took place) Bivi on 8 can't be beat and the view is amazing. Do not do the Swainbow Wall direct finish, you miss the best pitches of the route, also some secret beta, you can rap the route! This saves you the 4 hour desent threw the worst hell on earth. If you need any beta on the route come see Burt (manager) at Powerhouse Rock Gym 8201 West Charelston, (right next to Desert Rock Sports) Las Vegas, Nv. (702)254-5604

-- Burt (epiclmber@hotmail.com), November 16, 1998.