Dirtbagging locations

I just got done with the whole school thing in Boulder, CO and I'm lookin for a change of scene. Thats why I've decided to dirtbag it for a while starting this fall and live out of my car for a bit. I was hoping for some suggestions on a good place to start out that obviously has good climbing really close by but would also be a decent place to find a random part-time job so I can feed myself at least. I know that's a bit general and I already have a few places in mind (Moab, Durango, Yosemite, Jackson Hole, etc.) but I was hoping to hear a pitch or two from people that live in such a place or who maybe have done the whole car-house thing. Ideas anyone?

Moab will be probably a good place for you especially in the fall . You can find odd jobs there since its a huge tourist town and a lot of restaurants will hire bus boys. Pagan's climbing shop is a great hookup and Im sure the guys can fill you in on the whole rubber treadding thing. They are to be trusted, good people. then there is The Creek with Alf in it :) what an experience its gonna be! fly little sparrow fly!

I'd recommend Squamish if you're still roaming when it gets too hot everywhere else and you don't need a job. Free camping is plentiful (provided you are low-impact and conscious of the bears) and there is a lifetime of high-quality climbing. Access to the aquatic center is $5 and gets you showers, pool and jacuzzi. Pound a beer or two after a trip up the chief, then jump in the hot tub and just try to keep from smiling.

FWIW it's damn near impossible to find a job in Moab in the fall. This town rolls up for winter.

Thanks guys! I'll have a couple weeks when I get back to job search luckily. Unfortunately Squamish is a bit out of range for now but hopefully later on in a year or so

Red River Gorge! 2 bucks a night to stay at Miguel's or get a back country permit.

So I've been looking at lots of these places and they all look pretty promising (good/cheap places to camp, great rock, great community) but whats really gonna be the deciding factor is places that are somewhat easy to find a part-time job like busing tables or whatever. Does anyone have any suggestions/experience with this?

So, you're either a true dirtbag, or you're not. Sounds like you need to save up enough money for rice, beans, tortillas, and gas money for like 6 months. Then go to the baddest places (yes multiple places) to climb - Yosemite, Red Rox, Indian Creek, Squamish, etc. (foreget Durango and Jackson Hole). Worry about where you're going to sleep once you're already there. I say go west cause it looks like you're in Boulder now.

I wouldn't want some smelly kid working in my restaurant, so the chances of you landing even a crappy job in any "real good place" to climb is slim. The economy kinda sux, anyway.

Dude you should work this winter and save up money, then head out to the creek in the spring and go from there once it gets warm. Better chance of getting a job in Moab if you still need a little cash-flow too.

Yeah thats what I was planning on doing either in Durango or Moab (probably more jobs in Durango). I'm also trying to get a guiding job that would start next april/may so I might only have from august til then. Chances are I'll be in the area though so we should climb A LOT Gary

If you want to work and play and be homeless, but not broke try wilderness therapy. There are programs throughout the Southwest and Colorado that require little or no prior experience and they are always hiring during the summer. The work isn't easy, or for everyone, but it pays decent, gets you outside, and off days are typically filled with climbing, biking, canyoneering, and random surf trips. Not a lot of places you can work full time and still get six days off twice a month.

It might be more work than you are looking for, but cost of living is next to nothing, and the work is pretty damn awesome. When I first showed up I'd say that 50% of the employees lived out of their cars.

Ryan Hill wrote:If you want to work and play and be homeless, but not broke try wilderness therapy. There are programs throughout the Southwest and Colorado that require little or no prior experience and they are always hiring during the summer. The work isn't easy, or for everyone, but it pays decent, gets you outside, and off days are typically filled with climbing, biking, canyoneering, and random surf trips. Not a lot of places you can work full time and still get six days off twice a month. It might be more work than you are looking for, but cost of living is next to nothing, and the work is pretty damn awesome. When I first showed up I'd say that 50% of the employees lived out of their cars.

That's gold right there! If it was not for health care I would be on it! Do it man.

Elena Sera Jose wrote: That's gold right there! If it was not for health care I would be on it! Do it man.

They do health care too.

Ryan Hill wrote: They do health care too.

I mean I am in healthcare do they hire nurses? Coz im in then at least for a couple shifts a month should be fun!

I haven't read through the thread but Yosemite can be pretty hard to Dirtbag. If you got a good set up you can certainly hide but with the added stress of nosy rangers.

Elena Sera Jose wrote: I mean I am in healthcare do they hire nurses? Coz im in then at least for a couple shifts a month should be fun!

I do know of several field staff who have nursing degrees and most programs have a nurse as an office-staff. Definitely not going to pay what you get as an RN though.

Nick Stayner wrote:Did you ever consider trying to work in Yosemite? most jobs offer a ton of time to climb and "housing" is super cheap. I did it for two summers and have never climbed as much. Plus, you make a hefty wad of cash to be a true dirtbag for the fall (yhe best season to send).

If in response to me:

I didn't realize that dirtbag and work went together.

You are correct. If you can get a job in the valley you are pretty much set