Visiting Irish Climber

Short Fall Seanwrote:

These threads are always so funny. All the good info is dispensed in the first few responses, then it devolves into, "You've got one week and you're flying into Bishop airport in November and you like bouldering? Hmmm, I'd drive up to Devil's Lake!" Then the adults in the room (like Phyl) have to come in and clean up the mess!

Thank you for the compliment, Sean!  It helps that I lived near SFO for 20 years (30 in the Bay Area) and have driven to every climbing destination and others mentioned from there numerous times, and since living outside of LA for 9 years, have driven to all the "Local" crags, as well as CoR (just got back), Bishop, Mammoth, Vegas, St George, IC, Moab, Tucson, etc as well.  Those driving times above are based on non-stop, going the 70-80 mph speed limit.  The Western US is quite large.

My last sentence above re IC was a bit mangled.  I had to leave to videocon to my mate Andy from Sheffield, UK about his next climbing trip to the US - he just leaves his itinerary and logistics to me.  I could probably have some kind of business planning climbing trips for UK climbers!

nico quest wrote:

You’re coming over at a brilliant time for a climbing trip. Late October into November is prime season for Indian Creek, Joshua Tree and Red Rocks, while Yosemite can still be amazing if you catch a stable weather window. I’d keep Yosemite flexible though, because once storms arrive later in the season it can turn cold quickly. Chasing forecasts instead of rigid plans is probably the best way to handle a trip like this.

Most climbers in the States use a single 70m rope unless doubles are needed for rappels or wandering pitches. Indian Creek really does eat cams, especially hand sizes, so bringing a healthy rack is worth it. Tape is basically essential too. Funny enough, while planning a climbing trip with a mate back home, we somehow ended up talking about commercial property in Ireland and came across REA Sothern, if you’re curious you can click here. Mad the random conversations climbing trips lead to.

The van and camping situation is usually pretty relaxed around the desert areas, especially on BLM land where loads of climbers stay cheaply or free. Definitely leave room for spontaneous stops as well, because some of the best parts of US climbing trips are the random diners, breweries and lesser-known crags you discover along the way.

Post is 3 years old. I don't know why you BOThered replying.  BOTBOTBOT

This is no Limerick, let's put a Cork in it, Dublin down here.

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