roads open near Red Rocks?

Anyone know if the Rocky Gap rd. shortcut between Lovell Canyon and Red Rocks is open/usable. Also, do you need high clearance?

You do need serious clearance for Lovell Canyon road during most years, but given the rains through Monsoon Season this year, I'm thinking you'll likely need some mad skills as well. I've seen that road have some serious ruts and washed out sections at times.

How's the parking been since the shutdown? Specifically, Black Velvet, First Creek, the spot on 159 that accesses the old trail into Oak Creek and the Calico Basin area?
Heading down in a couple weeks and if this shutdown hasn't resolved itself I was curious if it's FEASIBLE to spend a week having FUN climbing in Red Rock or if it's just a complete headache.

Damn. Ok. Thanks for the info. Curious about the parking situation as well. Will be in RR later this week. Had hoped to spend most of my time in Juniper/Pine/Black Velvet Canyon......

Damn...Juniper and Pine...way to make the effort. I guess I'm too lazy to hike into there from the highway. I just hope I have a place to park for the others....

Pine creek might be a bit of a walk but I climbed on the Brownstone Wall the other day and only took 2 1/4 hrs from the Oak Creek lot. Crimson Crysalis/Cloud Tower zone would be a cakewalk.

Ryan Huetter wrote:Pine creek might be a bit of a walk but I climbed on the Brownstone Wall the other day and only took 2 1/4 hrs from the Oak Creek lot. Crimson Crysalis/Cloud Tower zone would be a cakewalk.

That sounds great!
How was the parking situation? I assume you got there pretty early. Was it mobbed with cars when you left? Did you get a feel from others that finding available places to park was difficult? What did you climb on Brownstone? :)

VaGenius wrote:Rock climbing is alive and well in Red Rock for those with legs and a low whining quotient.

Yeah, I gathered as much, but our question concerning parking still hasn't been addressed. I've only been to Red Rock a few times and I can't recall exactly how big some of those pullouts on 159 are and how many cars can park there at a time. I've already read how there have been parking issues in the Red Springs area since the shutdown. I was just wondering what the situation looks like throughout some of the other areas.

VaGenius wrote:Rock climbing is alive and well in Red Rock for those with legs and a low whining quotient.

I was out there Sat and Sun, and never saw another soul (besides my partner) on my approaches or destinations. Always amazed at this kind of "noise" (crowds, etc) at RR. One day I did have to suffer through that fucking choo choo all day along above Bonnie Springs. Maybe they could extend that rail along the canyons and get the meek and mild even closer to their favorite climbs.

Is overnight parking allowed in the pullouts off the 159? Specifically by the trail to Oak Creek Canyon

I've heard that you can camp in Lovell Canyon? Is that pretty nice or what?

There is a ton of camping in Lovell Canyon. We camped out there this week. Just make sure to bring plenty of layers as it is much colder than in the park and has the possibility of snow depending on how far along the road you camp.