Desert Solitaire
5.9 A3+ aid · 8 pitches · 1,200 ft · ★★★★
Route 3 of 9 from left to right on The Rainbow Wall, with The Big Payback on its left and Desert Solitaire (Free) on its right. The Rainbow Wall has 9 routes, from 5.9 A3+ to 5.13b; 5 are harder, and 3 others are the same grade.
First ascent: Nick Nordblom (rope solo), 1983
Hikes, approaches and descents
- Fastest Juniper Approach — Class 2
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 The Rainbow Wall
- Brown Recluse 5.12a/b PG13
- The Big Payback 5.9 A3
- Bird Hunter Buttress 5.9
- Sergeant Slaughter 5.12b PG13
- Paiute Pillar 5.9 R
- Desert Solitaire (Free) 5.13b
- The Kor Route "Free" 5.12a PG13
- The Original Route 5.12-