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Red Rocks quickest classic?

Original Post
Ryan Myers · · Tempe, AZ · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 2,736

What would you consider to be red rocks quickest classic route to climb taking into consideration the approach, ease of climbing, descent and probability of waiting in line to get on the route?

Jeff Stephens · · Carbondale, CO · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 80

Tunnel Vision

Mike Bond · · Kentucky · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 3,191
Jeff Stephens wrote:Tunnel Vision
+ 1 for T-Vision

Less classic but quicker is Physical Graffiti
ClimbPHX.com · · Mesa AZ · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 1,135

Cat in the Hat at 5.6 is a good route to start on
Good gear placements and the approach is pretty straightforward - takes about 1/2 hour on a good trail.

I like Birdland as well... good approach and solid 5 pitch 5.7

Just my .02

ClimbPHX.com · · Mesa AZ · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 1,135

+1 Physical - Plus there is that 3 pitch 5.9 next door that rocks!

Dirty Gri Gri, or is it GiGi? · · Vegas · Joined May 2005 · Points: 4,115

Agree with Cookie Monster to CITH in RR. Very cruiser if accustomed to multi- pitches.

Jeff Stephens · · Carbondale, CO · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 80

CITH is as crowded than Tunnel Vision. But Tunnel Vision has many alternatives, hell, anything on the Angel Food Wall is pretty good and similar. I have heard good things about Cookie Monster though.

Plus, CITH descent is back down the route, on top of other climbers. Tunnel Vision has a nice quick walk off. Purblind Pillar, next door, is less well-known, but longer and at least as good as Tunnel Vision.

Y2K would be a good quick hit, but maybe not "classic".

Physical Graffiti is great fun, but short by RR standards.

A great day would be to hit Lotta Balls and Black Magic in First Creek. Lots of stellar 5.8, the approach isn't awful.

Frigid Air Buttress is my favorite climb at RR. Pretty long climb, great ledges, short approach, no crowds. But it gets no sun right now and the descent is not straightforward.

Geronimo is another candidate, but you WILL get your ropes stuck on the descent. And the approach is medium-length.

Ragged Edges has no approach, and is classic, and has fun stuff around. Pretty short and popular though. Step up from Physical Graffiti.

Brian · · North Kingstown, RI · Joined Sep 2001 · Points: 804

Ragged Edges for sure. Five minute approach.

Cory Harelson · · Boise, ID · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 2,410

Olive Oil is awesome, less crowded than Cat in the Hat, and has a very fast walkoff not requiring any raps.

Andy Hansen · · Longmont, CO · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 3,301

Frigid Air Buttress. An underrated classic in my opinion. Approach: 25 minutes. 9 Pitches of varied and quality climbing. Somewhat tricky descent but it's all worth it. No lines to wait in.

Karsten Duncan · · Sacramento, CA · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 2,571

. . . .or lady wilson's cleavage. Mwhahahahaha

smassey · · CO · Joined Dec 2008 · Points: 200
Karsten wrote:. . . .or lady wilson's cleavage. Mwhahahahaha
Best 5.9 in the NCA, but the hike and rack needed seem to keep the queue down.
Jon OBrien · · Nevada · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 917

Karsten,

you forgot to mention The Red Throbber Spire, Mr. Natural of the Desert, and The Black Dagger.

(an extended pinkie meets the lip as a lone eyebrow raises to reveal a coy expression while the screams of my former assistants entangle the popping sounds of alligator jaws snapping shut in a song that only a Dr. of Evil could dance to.)

oh, and happy friday!

:-)

jon

R. Moran · · Moab , UT · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 140

If Crowds aren't an issue, I'll cast a vote for Birdlands.

W L · · NEVADASTAN · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 851

Great Red Book would be where my vote goes. Shorter than many mentioned here, but aesthetic moves up an incredibly aesthetic feature. Pretty mellow climbing to boot.

cassondra l · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2008 · Points: 335

Jon, I just don't know how you failed to remind Karston of the obvious choices of Blitzkrieg, and Mini master Corner...JK!

Richard Dower · · Overland Park, KS · Joined Dec 2006 · Points: 150

Dark Shadows. Mellow approach and even if there are parties on it, the wait is not usually too bad. Don't worry about people rapping over you too much like you do on Birdland and CITH. To avoid lines and have a plan B right next door, do either Lotta Balls or Black Magic. You won't be disappointed and they are out of the loop. It's easy to get them both done since the raps off the back are really quick and easy.

J. Thompson · · denver, co · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 1,425
cassondra wrote: Blitzkrieg
Which isn't as bad as you might think! But clearly isn't the "fastest" or "classic"!

josh
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Nevada
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