Mountain Project Logo

Climbing roadtrip in an RV

Original Post
kamrujj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 0

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:

1. Head West to the Black Hills, Devils Tower, and then to Colorado (possibly do some white water rafting in CO as well)
2. Head East to Devils Lake and then to the Red
3. Get some advice from MP members and maybe go somewhere a little different

P.S. - We're primarily sport climbers, but wouldn't mind throwing a few easy trad climbs in there as well

Any thoughts or ideas?

5.samadhi Süñyātá · · asheville · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 40

where have you always wanted to climb but havent yet that an RV would make it more do-able?

Its your trip man!!!!

I have always wanted to climb at Rifle and thats where I'm headed this summer!

The red in the summer is kinda sucky imo. If you want to just get worked it will work you...but the holds are slimy and greasy from the humidity and "sending temps" are few and far between (maybe if you wake up real early?).

Ed Wright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2006 · Points: 285

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.

Mike K · · Ridgway, CO · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 110

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.

5.samadhi Süñyātá · · asheville · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 40

you're going to literally spend 2 days in each place!? Those places you listed you could spend a lifetime climbing in each!

but have fun though if thats your thing blazing through an area! I personally love to SETTLE in to an area and get my camp (read squalor) nice and fully constructed.

marty funkhouser · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 20

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.

JJNS · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 531

Ten Sleep is a fantastic summer sport climbing destination.

tanner jones · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 1,003

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?).

if you want to go east, i agree with previous comments about the temps (and mosquitos) at the RRG being terrible. however, fayetteville, west virginia has better sport climbing with better temps, better rock quality, less crowds, and white water rafting on the new river for your rest days. plus that town has some rad restaurants and people. in specific, the summersville area is a great spot to do some great swimming and climbing all in one location.

chuffnugget · · Bolder, CO · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 0

option 2 - very hot and humid.

id do option 1, but as stated, stay in wyoming.

txclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 10

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.

Those who oppose, re-read the part about him going climbing with his FIANCE. I'm lucky enough to have a beautiful wife, who is also my climbing partner. Getting frisky in the desert/mountains/canyons after scaring the crap out of ourselves on some run-out sketchy climb is super rewarding. Doing so AFTER a shower is much better, especially on week 2.

I also, tend to disagree with those who are discouraging you from visiting lots of places. In reality, unless you're 20 years old, you can only climb 2-3 days in a row anyway. Otherwise performance drops and risk of injury goes up. That sets you up nicely for exploring an area for a few days, then taking a rest day to drive to the next place. Rinse and repeat.

Many people who post on this forum assume that you live next door to Badass Climbing Area X, and can get out there anytime. For you and your fiancé, getting out west may be a once every few years adventure. If so, make the most of it and see/touch every place you have time for. Even if that means only a few days in each area.

stow · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 126

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.

marty funkhouser · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 20

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.

Jeff Young · · Bend, OR · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 10
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.
kamrujj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 0

Wow, great advice everyone! Loving the input!

I'm glad I posted this question as most people seem to favor heading west opposed to heading east to the red. We climbed Devils Tower last summer (proposed at the summit), but didn't get the chance to climb at Spearfish or anywhere else in WY.

Does anyone know of any RV parks in SD, WY, or CO that are close to the climbing areas?

Anyone been white water rafting out there?

DSnider · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 1

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!

kamrujj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 0

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?

I'd really hate to be driving along the winding road and get to a tunnel to find out an RV can't get through it!!!

txclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 10

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.

The Creek

kamrujj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 0

Nice set up txclimber. How long is that rig? I'm assuming it's large enough for two people and gear?

txclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 10

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.

Heater and A/C mean year 'round comfort.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
Post a Reply to "Climbing roadtrip in an RV"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.