Climbing roadtrip in an RV
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My fiance and I really enjoy climbing and are thinking of renting an RV next Summer and climbing for a couple weeks. We live in Minnesota and can't decide between three options: |
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where have you always wanted to climb but havent yet that an RV would make it more do-able? |
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I would go with option one, but I'd really try to go for more than 2 weeks. And I'd hit more spots in Wyoming rather than go on to Colorado. |
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Some friends and I are doing the same thing. We live in Minnesota, are flying to Denver. Gonna rent an rv and go through co over to Moab, then Zion, Vegas, California and Yosemite over a couple weeks and return the rv in San Francisco then fly home. |
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you're going to literally spend 2 days in each place!? Those places you listed you could spend a lifetime climbing in each! |
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Spearfish Canyon, SD maybe? I personally wouldn't take an RV to sport climb in CO front range. It's not that scenic and the RV would be a huge pain. Devils Tower is kind of advanced trad. If you still have time keep heading W to Wild Iris, WY or City of Rocks, ID. |
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Ten Sleep is a fantastic summer sport climbing destination. |
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if you like to sport climb and are interested in heading west, i would aim for lander, wy. then from there it's only a 4 hr drive to fort collins, colorado, or a 4 hr drive to SLC (ever heard of american fork?). |
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option 2 - very hot and humid. |
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Plan #1 sounds great. Don't let people convince you you're not "hard" enough if you don't dirtbag. While that has it's advantages (i've spent months this way), sometimes it's nice to be able to shower up after a long day of climbing, hence the RV. |
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You are pretty close to some of the best and most picturesque summer sport destinations in the US. Spearfish SD, Ten Sleep Canyon WY, Wild Iris WY and if you have time, the Uintas. 2-3 days in each, rest days traveling. All beautiful and with a mix of grades - except the Uintas which is mostly moderates. If you wanted you could schedule it to hit the Ten Sleep rodeo and Lander climbers festival and the wildflower peak. Also if you really want easy trad maybe swing back through the Tetons and bag a peak too. |
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Something to add: a lot of climbing areas aren't going to be very RV friendly. I know City of Rocks is ideal for RVs but all the spots can be taken during the weekends. Ive been to Wild Iris but don't remember what the road is like (certainly not paved). I've personally never been to Spearfish or Tensleep. I suppose a solution would be to bring bikes so you dont have to drive all the way in. |
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jon apprill wrote:Something to add: a lot of climbing areas aren't going to be very RV friendly. I know City of Rocks is ideal for RVs but all the spots can be taken during the weekends. Ive been to Wild Iris but don't remember what the road is like (certainly not paved). I've personally never been to Spearfish or Tensleep. I suppose a solution would be to bring bikes so you dont have to drive all the way in.I'd focus on the Lander area, then on to Tensleep (or Spearfish) if you didn't already get your fill of Limestone pocket pulling at Wild Iris. I would say the only reason to choose Spearfish over Tensleep would be if you wanted to check out some of the other areas around there (Needles, Rushmore, etc.), otherwise go with Tensleep. Then move on to the City of Rocks & Castle Rocks, would be a pretty amazing trip for sport climbing, and you can find plenty of moderate trad at the City too. You can reserve spots ahead of time at the City of Rocks online so you don't have to worry about the weekends filling up. Also the road at Wild Iris shouldn't present any difficulties for an RV. I think the advice above is all pretty good, WY is hard to beat in the summer and while it could be pretty warm at the City & Castle Rocks you can also chase shade. |
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Wow, great advice everyone! Loving the input! |
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You've got some great advice so far. If you do head down into Colorado you may want to check out Elevenmile Canyon. You'll find plenty of sport, bouldering, and some easier trad lines. Very RV friendly and not far from Shelf Road and the Arkansas River. Have fun! |
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Is it even possible to drive an RV through the winding roads and tunnels to get to Spearfish, Mt. Rushmore, and the Needles in South Dakota? |
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Going the comfort route, doesn't have to mean HUGE. Here's my little rig set up at Indian Creek. Perfect little camp to return home to after a day of nice cracks. |
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Nice set up txclimber. How long is that rig? I'm assuming it's large enough for two people and gear? |
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It's 13 feet long. Queen size bed, small shower/toilet, and a little kitchen sink near the stove. Just big enough for two. It has an additional loft bed above the queen that 2 more could sleep in, but that would be really cramped. |