Should I avoid Red Rocks during the Rendezvous?
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The company I work for does a retreat in Vegas every year around March/April. Each year I bring a few co-workers out for a day of climbing at Red Rocks. I climb often enough to be safe doing easy stuff and they always have a fun time. In years past we've climbed at The Hamlet, Panty Wall and Cowlick Crag. This year we're going to be there the same weekend as the Red Rocks Rendezvous and I'm wondering if we should bail on climbing altogether. That would be sad, but I think preferable to waiting in line all day just to climb one or two routes. |
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Jon, there are always tons of good trad routes with no one on them, no matter the event or holiday weekend....but that is usually due to grade (as you get on the 5.10's on up) and fear (most folks are more comfortable climbing the same routes as others, over and over)....about 50-50. In other words there are a plethora of 5.7-5.11's that are better than the trade routes that have folks waiting in line which they will do at RR, these less known routes just require a bit more courage and in some cases a little more approach. |
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Here's a list of crags that were used last year. |
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We've gone out many years during and for the Rendezvous and as mentioned, if you get out into the canyons you won't have too much trouble getting on something especially if you go out during the Rendezvous as people are at First, Second or Calico for clinics. This time of year any of the popular sport areas are going to be crowded because of spring break, not just the Rendezvous. |
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Thanks, everyone, for the advice! The other folks from my company are pretty new to it. I insist they all get certified to belay at the local gym beforehand (and a few of them get lead certified at the gym as well). I'm thinking this year maybe I'll trim it down to just me and the wife to avoid the crowds. Even then I need to stick with easy routes up to maybe five pitches. |
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Physical Graffiti is probably the least problematic of the routes you have selected, its only drawback being its popularity. Cookie Monster to the top of the 5th pitch of Cat in the Hat would be in your range and can be done in 3 pitches (rappels Cat in the Hat, though.) Abbey Road is in Moderate Mecca, right in the midst of Rendezvous activities. Lean Lady is very fun, but a bit tricky to find. |
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Prime Rib is in the Southern Outcrops. I haven't done it but be warned that that area eats cars. Maybe it's better this year, but last year managed to bottomed out the rental a few times. If you're looking for a moderate I really like Rising Moons in First Creek Canyon. Three pitches that are all different. The last pitch is run out but it's pretty easy slab. You can combine that with a bunch of easy single pitch trad that's over there. |
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jon, i have attached a link to the rendezvous crags. i noticed physical graffiti is on your list and it is at riding hood wall which will be taken over by the rendezvous crowd. |
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Thanks for the heads up and the link, Ashley! |
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How about when it rains for RRR? |
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Matt, |
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If it rains there shouldn't be any climbers on the rock. It soaks up water and turns to mush. Holds break, gear pops and routes get destroyed. |
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It is quite unfortunate how selfish some people can be. |
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sweet, gaperfest is during my spring break? |
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The sandstone "soaks up water and turns to mush." Seriously Ashley, if you're gonna pretend that you are part of the Wet Rock Police, you'll have to do better than that. Your argument against climbing on wet rock is, well, mush. |
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I was a skeptic myself until one damp morning on an approach I pulled on a rock solid(normally) hold while scrambling. It crumbled in my hand. I thought to myself "eh no biggie, probably just got too wet" was approaching to a steep wall so I figured the wall would be dry. Just before we got to the steep wall there is a huge flake, not part of any established routes, that is just slightly damp from the humid air, I pulled on it as a test and had this flake the size of a toilet seat flexing like a piece of rubber. Thankfully I had these two experiences that morning and decided to head back in instead of climb. It would have sucked for that experience to happen 30+ feet of the deck and have gear or a bolt pull. No thanks. |
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Well, John, I guess that makes you the expert on wet sandstone, eh?...or not. |
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at least the grades are soft no matter how wet or dry the rock is |
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Mark, |
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mark are you really that stupid? |
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Going back to the original question: "Should I avoid Red Rocks during the Rendezvous? " |