Abstract: A retaining wall system includes a plurality of large mass retaining blocks formed with vertically oriented openings passing therethrough for the installation of micro-pile soldier piles. The retaining blocks can be formed of pre-cast concrete and stacked vertically so that the vertical openings are aligned for the installation of micro-pile soldier piles through the stacked retaining blocks and into the bedrock below the retaining blocks. The micro-pile soldier piles can include a steel casing that is installed through the aligned vertical openings to terminate at the bedrock with grout filling the steel casing except for optional reinforcement. The retaining blocks can be formed with cutout key openings that allow concrete to be inserted to provide a key interlock between adjacent retaining blocks to further stabilize the retaining wall. The retaining wall can also include a row of waler blocks that incorporate a pair of tie-back anchors for each waler block.