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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 25, 2008 - 01:32pm PT
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What has become of this area? The Syndicato Granitica folks did some early development and I haven't heard much since this article.
From Climbing 54 May-June 1979.
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Captain...or Skully
Trad climber
North of the Owyhees
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Dec 25, 2008 - 01:37pm PT
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Folks go there, time to time, just gets kinda forgotten, with all the high profile areas getting all the press.
I kinda like it that way, myself.(selfish?, perhaps).
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Dec 25, 2008 - 01:37pm PT
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Perhaps it has passed, or is past. Check with Scrooge to be sure.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 25, 2008 - 01:41pm PT
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Tis the ghost of Christmas Tree Pass present! LOL
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Dec 25, 2008 - 01:47pm PT
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Went there.
Turns out the "Christmas Tree" is a creosote bush some local hung a few ornaments on.
Some nice looking rocks but nothing big, and much is in the "Recreation Area" and is ruled by the NPS which can be twitchy about climbers depending on what ranger finds you, and what he had for breakfast.
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TYeary
Mountain climber
Calif.
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Dec 25, 2008 - 01:47pm PT
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Very nice venue. Reminds me of Josh in the early '70's.
Lonely, beautiful, and lots of possibilities. See's little traffic and little exploration. I like it that way.
Tony
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Loomis
climber
*_*
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Dec 25, 2008 - 04:41pm PT
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The same thing that became of Domelands, another of Andy's articles.
Last time I say Andy was in San francisco, years ago.
Edit: Actually Steve, Mike Baca has a really cool guide book he made of the area some years ago, did it all on black and white photo paper.
If you are interested, I will contact him and see if a copy can be sent your direction.
Scott.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 25, 2008 - 05:12pm PT
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That would be fabulous! The historical connection to AZ alone makes it interesting. I haven't had a chance to actually check the place out beyond driving by during some nasty weather.
Czech out that thread.
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bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
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Dec 26, 2008 - 01:18am PT
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hey steve, i got nothing planned january 1 - 4. get yer ass down here and let's go check it out. i been wondering about that place for over 30 years. looks to be about three hours from flag.
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Alan Rubin
climber
Amherst,MA.
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Dec 26, 2008 - 09:43am PT
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Stopped there for a day or 2 with Andy Embick and Chip Chace about the time that article appeared. I remember that the rock was quite grainy---a bit more so than Josh---but maybe that was only because the routes we did had seen so little climbing activity. I remember that we did a beautiful finger/tips crack(maybe the unclimbed Seperate Reality, mentioned in the article) but I recall that a point or 2 of aid was used. A pleasant enough locale but once we became aware of Red Rocks a few years later the latter became the Nevada area of choice for us. That same trip---to maintain the "obscure areas" theme--we also climbed at some similar granite outcrops (Little Granite Mountains, maybe?)on the far side of the Marine Corps Base from Josh. Another place where one is very likely to climb in solitude---except for the explosions occasionally reverberating from the nearby Base.
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F10
Trad climber
e350
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Dec 26, 2008 - 10:12am PT
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Been there twice and had the place to myself, lots to explore
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 27, 2008 - 10:02pm PT
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First week of January?!? Grainy face climbing?!?....I'll bring the thumb screws$$$$$$$$
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TLloyd-Davies
Social climber
Santa Clara, ca
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Dec 30, 2008 - 04:53pm PT
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Awesome thanks for this find!
My dad always talked about climbing with Andy and especially about Christmas Tree Pass, but up until now i hadn't been able to find any info about it.
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Dec 30, 2008 - 06:06pm PT
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Steve, could you post the photos from the Summit October 1976 article? Those are the ones I remember.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 30, 2008 - 08:03pm PT
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Nice that the author includes a list of prior articles. I will see if I can find the 76 article.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 10, 2009 - 11:35am PT
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Working backwards chronologically, two down, one to go! From Climbing May-June 1977.
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Gary
climber
Desolation Basin, Calif.
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Feb 11, 2009 - 11:16pm PT
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XTP is still happening, somewhat. If Piton Ron says there is nothing big there, he must've gone to the wrong spot.
Slowly, some of the old routes put up by Solow and Richardson, Robson and Hancock are being rebolted with 3/8s.
As Scott said, Mike Baca has a nice guide. John Gonzales just finished up a newer one.
There's some crappy rock, and some good rock. Dali Dome and H&R Block are nice crags, if they were in Josh they'd be famous.
Dali Dome:
H&R Block
There are some new routes going up from time to time:
If you like run out slab on 30 year old 1/4"ers, you'll love it. Laughlin has some great deal on rooms and buffets, too.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 12, 2009 - 10:10am PT
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Thanks for the update...
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Feb 12, 2009 - 11:46am PT
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That's where I went Gary.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 31, 2009 - 10:57am PT
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You have to use your acting skills to get by the guards... Feign interest in runout granular granite face climbing, at least for the assessment! Right place, wrong climber! LOL
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Aug 31, 2009 - 11:22am PT
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I said they were nice, just not very big.
Been through there several times now.
I'm not damning with faint praise, but more like honoring with discretion.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 31, 2009 - 11:36am PT
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Looks like granite slab climbing. It seems to have fallen into well deserved oblivion.
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Urmas
Social climber
Sierra Eastside
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Aug 31, 2009 - 12:27pm PT
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FYI Andy Solow lives in San Francisco. I talk to him from time to time. Dick Richardson died a while back of a heart attack in his sleep. Now there was a face climber of the old school! I learned the art of stance drilling on slabs from him. I'll never forget some of the times we had in Domelands in the late 70's. At the start of my lead he would give me 3 bolts - "That's all you get to use on this pitch, Urmas"! I can still hear him yelling up at me, "No don't drill yet. Climb higher"! Today that pitch is missing from the guidebook because you can't see the first bolt from the belay, and it's assumed that it hasn't been done.
Manny Rangel from Phoenix told me he did some routes at CTP a while ago. One of these days I hope to make it there. Just one more thing; The solitude can be misleading. Dick and Andy had their truck broken into out there and lost all their camping gear!
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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Aug 31, 2009 - 01:21pm PT
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been there to climb once and just loved it. long live the sword!
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Aug 31, 2009 - 01:22pm PT
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There is a dirt road about a mile east of where the XTP road comes out onto 163 that heads NE to a beach with free camping.
I would extend the same warning to this area as it appears to attract some dubious players despite seeing more frequent patrols than the segment of the NRA just east of the pass.
Outside of the NRA you can't even expect even that much.
Climbers rarely stop to consider that if they are visible, but a long time removed from their vehicles, that these are tempting targets to thieves.
There is something to be said for low key climbing.
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Manny
Social climber
tempe
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Aug 31, 2009 - 02:06pm PT
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CTP...haven't been in a few years but it is well worth a stop if you like isolation and big domes. I haven't camped, Laughlin is way close. There are lots of routes, even a sport area just north of the main area. Tons of FAs for the intrepid still await. I searched out a few, found signs of climbers and in some cases, saw why they weren't finished. We did a big dome, first on top, that has a couple bolted routes down low. Found a long OW! The best is a two pitch dike that Andy and Dick started and abandoned.
In some cases, the rock was so grainy, it could easily be scraped by hand. Still, with a good effort and some walking, you can find adventure and new rock.
Love it. Thanksgiving return maybe?
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Wack
climber
Dazevue
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Aug 31, 2009 - 03:19pm PT
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In 1997 we got a 2fer at Laughlin. We flew my partners hot air balloon in the "River Flight" and explored Xmas Tree Pass. One of the perks for flying in the rally was a free room at the Pioneer Casino along with meals comped. Cruising through the area was just like being in the deep Wonderland with essentially no other foot prints. We ended up putting up a 2 bolt 5.7, Sandy Claws on the N face of the large (Christmas Dome?) dome on the west end of the main area. Certainly not a destination but well worth checking out if you are traveling through the area.
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Loomis
climber
*_*
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Mr. Grossman, I was not able to get you a copy of this guide book, so here is the next best thing. The entire guide in 8 scans, for you and the rest of the climbing community to enjoy.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 1, 2009 - 10:03am PT
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Thanks for posting up all that info! It should help folks have fun out there.
Speedy recovery, Scott!
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Loomis
climber
*_*
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Bump for Steve Grossman and the rest of you who might have missed this guide book.
Edit: Oooops! Looks like the Medication is working too well : )
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Joanne and Jorge Urioste and their friend Jeff Johnson took me out there back in December '07. It was the first time I had ever encountered granite domes. The leads were all pretty bold I thought and Jeff and Joanne did some pretty fancy runout foot work on several. Jorge basically walked up it all. Me? All I mainly remember is having to wipe my feet on the opposite pant leg each and every move of a foot. Other than that I recall concentrating on strangling my inner monkey as attempting to stand on those friable mirco edges is definitly no time to attempt any monkey business - nothing to hold on to, nothing to stand on - what's a poor monkey boy supposed to do with that sh#t?
And Jorge had that JRat hammer holster which I so covet...
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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You bastard! I'm envious...
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steelmnkey
climber
Vision man...ya gotta have vision...
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Seems like I got one of those somewhere as well...
Those photos make it look pretty toasty out there! :-)
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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I got two of those jrat holsters.
/posted for purely evil purposes
:)
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Blitzo
Social climber
Earth
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I remember Dick Richardson raving about the place!
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Have to admit, the walk into the domes should have been the tip off - you're walking on a deep, deep bed of the very granules that are exfoliating 24x7 off every inch of the domes. The challenge of the place was certainly obvious enough, but any notion of charm was definitely lost on me. Being a sandstone guy I couldn't and can't imagine why one would foresake canyons of RR for a drive out there.
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TYeary
Social climber
Huaraz, Peru
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Steve, quit talking about it.
Jeez,I was just getting used to the solitude!
Best kept non-secret!
Tony
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andrewsolow
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Sep 22, 2009 - 02:38am PT
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The most current online information about Christmas Tree Pass can be found at: http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/Nevada/Southern_Nevada/Christmas_Tree_Pass/
It seems that John Gonzalez has published a more recent Christmas Tree Pass climbing guide. And, he is about to publish an update. You can Email him at: rcsjohnxscma@earthlink.net
If you want to get in touch with people who climb at Christmas Tree Pass regularly, you can contact me at: asolow@mindspring.com or on my cell at 415-722-3047.
Andrew Solow, San Francisco, CA
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andrewsolow
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Sep 22, 2009 - 04:00am PT
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Regarding URMAS, August 31, 2009
Actually, they didn't break into our vehicle. They stole our tent and two sleeping bags. We left the tent set up near our truck while we were out climbing all day and it was gone when we came back.
I guess we're all staying in hotels and driving Lexus vehicles these days. Things were alot simpler when I was only 23 years old. Andy Solow
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 22, 2009 - 10:16pm PT
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Welcome Andy!
How did you hear about CTP?
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andrewsolow
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Sep 28, 2009 - 05:30am PT
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Hello Steve, et al,
Dick Richardson and I read about Christmas Tree Pass in Climbing Magazine and then asked around.
We were looking for places where no one else was climbing - no attitude, just climbing.
Anyone who says they know what Christmas Tree Pass is like because they drove by or walked around in a creek bed for a few minutes is full of crap. CTP is so big that it would take several full days of walking without climbing anything just to explore the place.
Most climbs are two or three pitches. The biggest formation we found is about four rope lengths - 4 or 5 ptiches. But, we never completely explored the place and just don't know what else is out there.
The quality of the Quartz Monzonite varies considerably from one formation to the next. The rock is at least as abrasive as Joshua Tree. Rugby shirts, sweaters, long pants, and benzaline & tape will help minimize abrasion damage from both climbing and falling.
Some of the old 1/4" x 1 1/8" bolts have been replaced and bolt replacement activity at CTP is ongoing.
Frankly, the younger folks should add additional bolts to Richardson's longest runouts. Falling on some of Richardson's leads could be fatal, particularly on 30 year old, 1/4", carbon steel bolts. Bring bolt replacement tools.
John Gonzalez: rcsjohnxscma@earthlink.net is putting together a 2nd version of his CTP guidebook, and would appreciate any information anyone might have.
Andy Solow
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 26, 2009 - 02:44pm PT
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How did the place gets its name? Anyone know the history?
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KP Ariza
climber
SCC
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Dec 26, 2009 - 03:14pm PT
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Andrew, we never met but Dick (Skippy) was a good friend and long time climbing partner of mine before he passed. He had very fond memories of CTP and many good things to say about you and the climbs you two did together. Good to hear about CTP again from your viewpoint. Skip was way ahead of his time as far as drilling on unclimbed slabs (in EB's no less) and I think it would be a shame for anyone to take it upon themselves to ad bolts to his existing routes. There has got to be plenty of room out there yet for new routes to be done huh? Its just my opinion and I think he surely would agree.
Ken Ariza
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truclimber
Trad climber
Nevada
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Dec 26, 2009 - 03:21pm PT
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YEah It is totally that time of the year.
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Gary
climber
Desolation Basin, Calif.
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Dec 26, 2009 - 11:27pm PT
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There's a lot of room for new routes.
The climbs put up by Andy Solow, Dick Richardson, Lynn Robison, Joe Hancock, and others are incredibly ballsy. The best thing I can say about my climbing career is that I've managed to lead some of those pitches.
Dali Dome has had almost all the old bolts replaced. Wilkinson Sword has to be one of the best 5.6 climbs on the planet. Really.
The Man has never been a problem in my 10+ trips out there. You just can't camp within a half-mile of the road. Dali Dome makes a nice base camp.
I love the place: climbs, diamondbacks, big horn and petroglyphs! Oh, and acacia.
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Minerals
Social climber
The Deli
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Apr 23, 2010 - 02:45pm PT
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Bump for the Searchlight pluton and continued climbing access!!!
Maybe this thread should now be titled… “What will become of Christmas Tree Pass”…
Gary, you may have spoken too soon.
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spenchur
climber
Flagstaff/Thousand Oaks
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Ancient thread bump for some cool history and geology!
Just spent a couple days hanging out in different parts of the Searchlight Pluton for a petrology course at NAU. We spent the night in Christmas Tree Pass and a whole day checking out the geology of the area. I WANT TO GET BACK THERE!
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Brian in SLC
Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Climbed out there a couple years ago over Christmas (oddly enough)...
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 7, 2013 - 01:44pm PT
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So any movement on bolt removal by the authorities here now that policy has been set?
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 25, 2013 - 03:03pm PT
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Christmas Update Bump...
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Dec 25, 2013 - 03:16pm PT
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Is this the Spirit of Christmas Tree Pass Past moving in you, Steve?
Nice bumps today, my friend, like small outcrops clustered together in the high desert.
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
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Dec 25, 2013 - 05:39pm PT
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Haven't been there. I like quiet great climbing areas not overrun. Very nice. Think I'll go sometime. :)
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soaring_bird
Trad climber
Oregon
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Dec 25, 2013 - 06:08pm PT
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Only been there twice. Many climbs do feel spicy and the place is free of crowds. I am surprised at the lack of development and popularity. The grainy rock is a lot like the Wild Granites, located further northwest near Austin, Nevada. The routes at Christmas Tree are shorter and the approaches are easier than the WG approaches, however. The Wild Granites could be discussed in a separate thread of their own.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Dec 25, 2013 - 06:18pm PT
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The climbing there truly SUCKS!
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Dec 25, 2013 - 07:38pm PT
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This photo was actually taken AT christmas tree pass!
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Brian in SLC
Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Dec 25, 2013 - 07:55pm PT
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Funny pic...is Jim's t shirt extolling the virtues of euthanizing cats? Surprised its not dogs (at the crag)...ha ha.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Dec 25, 2013 - 10:06pm PT
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The steely stare AND the raised finger!
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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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Mar 13, 2014 - 09:15pm PT
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Bump
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Gary
Social climber
Where in the hell is Major Kong?
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Dec 25, 2015 - 12:06pm PT
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The word on the street us that an accommodation has been made. The Aviator Wall and the other climbs on the Spirit Mountain side of the road are now off limits, and even being dismantled by the local climbers.
The climbs on the other side of the road are what they were.
JD, I guess you didn't climb the Razor's Edge?
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overwatch
climber
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Dec 25, 2015 - 04:53pm PT
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was it a good compromise or did they break it off in our ass?
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guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Jan 12, 2016 - 11:32am PT
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W.L. thanks for the update....
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Steven Hughes
climber
Rooseville, MT
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Jan 26, 2017 - 11:37am PT
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Hey just took a quick weekend trip down to Christmas tree pass with my kid. Amazing place for sure. After hearing about the bolt chopping controversy there I was curious what I might find. On the overlook wall there was a very sloppy attempt at bolt removal. Some routes had one or two hangers removed with the bolt stems remaining. Others were left mostly intact. This seemed to be grade influenced 5.7 completely chopped and a nearby 5.12 left intact. Partially debolting a route on an area of run out friction routes is dangerous business that could end up getting someone badly hurt. One route had a single bolt unseen from the ground removed (with an ugly stem left sticking out of the rock) near the top while the lower ones remained. Basically whoever did this,left the place a fricking mess bolt stems sticking out the rock etc. I don't know if this was a park service employee or not but this a disgrace to this amazing area of Mojave desert climbing. Being a Montana climber this is not necessarily my fight but the local community needs to be aware of the situation.
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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Jan 26, 2017 - 12:15pm PT
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What is the rationale for the climbing ban on certain areas. I have spent a fair amount of time back there and it is anything but pristine wilderness. I always pack out a load of trash, including plenty of spent ammo.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 25, 2018 - 12:29pm PT
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Holiday update bump...
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ground_up
Trad climber
mt. hood /baja
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Dec 26, 2018 - 02:41pm PT
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Rock quality aside , I like the obscure nature this place seems to have.
Thinking of doing a look see this spring. Looks like enough fairly good
stuff amongst the not so good stuff to get some fun climbing in.
Yes , no ? worth a week ?
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Dec 26, 2018 - 03:34pm PT
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dig those newly added photos on mtn project!
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