Portland to Creeksgiving

I'm an experienced trad climber, road tripper, and conversationalist. I've dabbled in dirtbagging. You can view my resume of awesome here.

I'm on the fence between driving and flying from Portland to Utah to go to Indian Creek to climb, and maybe Moab to mountain bike, the week of Thanksgiving. I have friends meeting there from other parts of the country. If I can find 1-3 travel companions to split the bill and maybe help with driving duties, that would be my preferred method of transportation. I can guarantee good times, good climbs, and a kick-ass Thanksgiving pot luck.

I have a Forester with a 17 cubic feet roof box, a hitch-mounted two bike carrier, one USB port, three 12V outlets, and four cup holders...which means I have room for up to three more people, their climbing and camping gear, and one more mountain bike!

My schedule would allow me to leave Sunday November 20th and return on Tuesday November 29th.

My current plan would be to take two days getting out there and two days getting back, leaving six full days of fun in Utah! With multiple drivers, we could power through and spend one really long day in the car each way if we wanted to.

If you are seriously considering this offer, I think it would be best to meet up to climb together and talk more at Planet Granite, or maybe Trout Creek or Smith Rock one weekend between now and then!

You can respond here to keep the thread active, or message me privately if you prefer.

I don't think I'd be able to roadtrip with you, but I've also been thinking of heading to Moab for Thanksgiving, I was there last year actually! I'm only off November 22 to the 26th though which is why a roadtrip wouldn't work for me :( I've also been trying to think of other warm climbing spots to potentially head to for that time off. Have you looked at flights to Moab at all? I'm not even sure which airport is best to fly into to get to Moab haha

AliciaC wrote:I don't think I'd be able to roadtrip with you, but I've also been thinking of heading to Moab for Thanksgiving, I was there last year actually! I'm only off November 22 to the 26th though which is why a roadtrip wouldn't work for me :( I've also been trying to think of other warm climbing spots to potentially head to for that time off. Have you looked at flights to Moab at all? I'm not even sure which airport is best to fly into to get to Moab haha

I have looked into flights! You would either fly into Denver or Salt Lake City first, then take a small airline to Moab. You can get the schedule in and out of Moab here:

moabairport.com/274/Flight-…

I'd be curious to hear your suggestions for backup destinations in case Indian Creek weather is bad. Last year I was going to go for Creeksgiving, but the forecast called for highs in the lower 40s and lows in the 20s and I decided against the two day drive each way, and opted for more local climbing over the holiday (I was in Oklahoma visiting family then.).

You can fly into Salt Lake and drive 4.5 hours, Or Grand Junction and drive 1.5 hours. Drive from Denver is about 6 hours.

I actually went to Moab last year despite the 30-40 degree weather forecast. I was living in Denver at the time so my friend and I drove the 6 hours to Moab. We basically only ended up climbing a half day at Wall Street cus it was super cold outside and then went hiking at Arches the rest of our trip. Made Thanksgiving dinner over campfire. Not a lot of climbing, but still had a lot of fun.

I guess for other destinations if Moab doesn't work out this year, there's always the typical winter climbing destinations like Joshua Tree and Red Rocks. My buddy lives in the town of JTree and let's climbers camp on his property right outside the park. I was already considering doing a trip to JTree this November cus I also happen to be off work November 14-18 but I haven't made solid plans at all yet. Red Rocks is always fun and flights to Vegas are always pretty cheap. Since I'm only off a few days, wherever I end up going climbing, I'd likely just fly there.

Hi - not to hijack this thread but I'm also looking for a partner 11/23-27 - not enough time for a road trip to Moab sadly, and tickets to Burbank are spendy, but Vegas is looking good. Alicia, if you're interested in a Red Rocks trip, PM me! I lead (and teach) trad for 3 yrs, have been to RR a few times, and would love to get out!

PNW climbers united! I'm leaving for Moab/IC this week and will be around until after Thanksgiving if the weather holds.

vgw wrote:PNW climbers united! I'm leaving for Moab/IC this week and will be around until after Thanksgiving if the weather holds.

Good to know! Maybe we can connect at The Creek if the weather holds. I might be following up with you regarding the weather when it gets closer!

Hey sorry for such a delay in reply! So I probably won't be able to come to Moab for Thanksgiving. Should've definitely booked a flight sooner than this close to Thanksgiving. But if anyone is around the PNW and wants to climb here, or maybe roadtrip down to Yosemite or other climbing spots within a 12 hour radius, let me know! And for those going to Moab, have fun! Hopefully the weather holds out and is better than it was for me last year!

I think I'm gonna plan to roadtrip down to Yosemite for Thanksgiving. If anyone here who isnt going to Moab is interested in a Yosemite Thanksgiving let me know! I'm gonna plan to camp at Camp 4 and make Thanksgiving dinner by the campfire. I have plenty of room in my car to make the drive down of anyone would be interested in coming and carpooling! Id be leaving Nov 22nd and returning early on the 26th.