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![]() Black Magic 5.8Lotta Balls Wall, First Creek Canyon ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() About the ClimbBlack Magic is not as famous as its popular neighbor Lotta Balls (5.8), but the climbing is just as good. It's super fun from bottom to top and it has nice exposure. When looking at it from below, it's hard to imagine that the climbing is only 5.8, but as you climb up hidden features will appear. ![]() ![]() Low Resolution GearLoopTopo Preview Minimum order of 3 GearLoopTopos The GearLoopTopoYou can find the topo for Black Magic on our GearLoopTopo for Lotta Balls (5.8). In addition, this GearLoopTopo also includes the topo for Bruja's Brew (5.9). The GearLoopTopo contains all the information you need for the climb, starting from the First Creek Parking. This parking is located on the 159, 2.1 miles past the end of the scenic drive. Possible CombinationsMost people won't do the hike just to climb Black Magic, but if you'll be climbing Lotta Balls, this route is a nice addition to fill your day. All the climbs in the area are relatively short, so you can squeeze a few in a day. From the second belay on Black Magic it is possible to traverse left below the roof and finish on Bruja's Brew (5.9). However, we recommend that you stay on Black Magic, which has the best finish. You can climb Bruja's Brew afterwards if you want, the first pitch is really the highlight of this route. There are no other direct combinations possible from Black Magic. However, the neighboring climbs provide enough options to fill your day. If you have not climbed Lotta Balls (5.8) before, don't waste your time and do it right away. It is a one of kind climb with funky features! Just to the left of Black Magic is Bruja's Brew (5.9), which has a very nice first pitch with great climbing, but it's a bit spicy for the grade. The second pitch is a little runout, and the last pitch has a very interesting traverse below the roof (mentioned above). A great combo is to climb the first pitch of Bruja's Brew and then join Black Magic around the first or second belay and finish that route. Another nice short climb located just on the other side of the bowl is Rising Moons (5.5R). Although it is an easier route, the climbing will keep your attention from start to finish because of the limited pro options. Overall, the climbing is super fun and feels very secure. In addition to the short multipitch routes, the walls near the bowl have many great single pitch climbs too. Similar ClimbsFor more great climbing on varnish check out the amazing Armatron (5.9) or the short but fun Going Nuts (5.6). Birdland (5.7+) in Pine Creek Canyon also have some nice varnish climbing. If you are looking for longer classics at a similar grade check out Crimson Chrysalis (5.8), Frogland (5.8), or Purblind Pillar (5.8). Crimson Chrysalis and Frogland are very popular, so plan accordingly.
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