Mercedes

5.11a/b trad · 70 ft · ★★★☆

First ascent: Jay Smith circa 1988

Description

This is a mixed route unless you want to make a long runout in the beginning and at the finish of the climb; don't go up with just quickdraws! Start left on the face well below the first of the four protection bolts with easy moves. Then power up left past the roof into a shallow corner. Pull more exposed moves onto slab and climb straight up to a fixed anchor. Fun route with exciting climbing.

Protection

A few cams from 00' tcu to 1", a few small nut, a few quickdraws, and 2 over the shoulder slings.

Access

The 13-mile Scenic Drive requires a timed-entry reservation October to May and has seasonal gate hours. Calico Basin and Kraft Mountain sit outside the Scenic Drive and need no reservation.

Wet rock: Aztec sandstone loses much of its strength when wet. Do not climb for at least 24 to 48 hours after rain or snowmelt, or holds break off and routes are permanently damaged.

More routes on Sunnyside Crags

• Water Dog 5.10d
• Pit Bull 5.10b
• Starless and Bible Black 5.9+
• Spring Break 5.11+
• Tie me Tightly 5.10-
• Cold September Corner 5.8
• Aesop’s Arete 5.9
• Mister Masters 5.9+
• Whipper 5.10
• Gotham City 5.12a
• Van Allen Belt 5.7 R
• Magellanic Cloud 5.9
• Meteor 5.11
• Shady Ladies 5.7
• Hot August Night 5.11- PG13
• Bad Day at Black Rocks 5.10b
• Blast From the Past 5.10-
• Whiplash 5.11
• Adapt and Overcome 5.8 PG13
• Mister Freeze's Face 5.10d
• Tarantula 5.12-
• Fork In The Road 5.8

Open the Red Rock climbing map · Is the rock dry? Live conditions