Tunnel Vision 5.7, White Rock

Climbed on June 26, 2022 originally. 

Fun Rating: Super Fun

One of the most recommended routes in the Canyon, and for a lot of folks the first tall route they do after coming to Red Rock, Tunnel Vision is solidly one of the “classic” RRC routes.Clocking in at a very manageable 5.7, with the crux for most people coming on the 5.3 tunnel pitch, this climb is a gem that is attainable for almost every person climbing in the canyon. That said, the last time I climbed this route (the upper pitches, at least, to finish up Sandy Hole) we witnessed a party back off of the first pitch due to one of the guided clients being unable to manage the traverse off the deck. Outside of that traverse, and the wide section on the third pitch, there isn’t much in the way of roadblocks to a smooth and relaxed day in the canyon.

Me in the tunnel, pre-sidewalk.

I remember this route, as I’m sure many do, primarily around the ledge just below the tunnel pitch, and through my first experience of leading the tunnel. After several moderate pitches, you are deposited on a large ledge that leads into an absolutely massive cave. Looking up and to the left into the dark, it is difficult to see a path that will lead upward at the extremely casual grade that is described in the guidebook and Mountain Project. After setting off, it immediately becomes clear that the pitch is, in fact, only 5.3 tops, and that there is a casual path upwards. I will not call this pitch well protected, but I do think it protects far better than many comments in MP would lead you to believe. If you’re reading a write-up of the route, I’m not too worried about spoiling the excitement for you, so I’ll mention to look behind you on the back wall for a few pockets and cracks that are protectable. This is a very frequently climbed pitch, and the rock feels quite slick in spots, but I don’t know how someone would fall here without actively trying for that outcome.

Josh at a ledge.

My favorite part of the tunnel pitch isn’t actually the part where you’re climbing upwards. You eventually pull onto a small sidewalk ledge that drops away to your left, but with the walls close enough to reach out and touch both sides. This is one of the wildest and most unique places I’ve been in Red Rock, and feels very much like it was designed to wow and excite. I felt like I was in a children’s museum exhibit or something similar, very reminiscent of the St. Louis City Museum, with all its wild weirdness. Even better, once you’ve made your way to the end of the sidewalk, you’re greeted with a set of perfect hand cracks to climb at a lovely low-angle to the next ledge. From here the climb turns into the same white sandstone top out that almost everything in Red Rock finishes with, runout but easy slab and a topout with a fun little scrub oak anchor spot. 

Megan and I at another ledge.

The Angel Food walkoff is one of the more typical RRC walkoffs in my mind. It’s long(ish), requires no rappels, and has a couple fun improbable moments where you think you’re ledging out but then suddenly a natural but exposed staircase, or slide between boulders, leads to more casual walking. If you feel like you need to rap, and you’re at that one slung boulder anchor, you’re in the wrong part of the gulley.

It’s been a rough spring for climbing for me. Weather, partner availability (and stoke), and a niggling shoulder injury have conspired to keep my pitch counts low recently. It’s remembering routes and fun days like this that keep the engine running, and push me to keep going when I’m losing my mind doing autobelay laps at R2C2. Luckily, the rock isn’t going anywhere for the most part, and the JHAT is a constant siren song enticing me into wide cracks and awkward roof pulls. The only route left to do in White Rock is Healy’s Haunted House, so keep your eyes peeled for a writeup of that at some point in the future. 

Classic booty shot.

No pithy finish this time, just looking forward to more Herbst-style climbing soon.

A very uncharacteristic Josh photo.