City of Rocks vs Gallatin Canyon vs Red Rocks

Looking to take a little trip the 2nd week of september for 6 days. Looking to climb moderate trad up to 10a, multipitch or cragging doesn't matter. I've been to red rocks a bunch, I'm not in the best shape right now for long approaches, or digging the 12 hour drive from Denver, but there's still a handful of shady moderates I really want to get on. Never been to the other two places. We'll be dirtbagging it camping in the car. Any recommendations?

I've never been to Gallatin Canyon, but City of Rocks is sweet; excellent one-pitch trad stuff, supreme friction, and the campsites are spread out and really lovely.

I think that City of Rocks really would match what you are looking for. Still pretty hot and summery for Red Rocks, even on shady routes. I'd go somewhere that is more in season.

Have you thought about / been to Devil's Tower and/or the Needles (Black Hills, not CA). Both have a lot to offer in the tradosphere, will be in-season, and are WAY closer for a 6 day trip.

Jon Moen wrote:I think that City of Rocks really would match what you are looking for. Still pretty hot and summery for Red Rocks, even on shady routes. I'd go somewhere that is more in season. Have you thought about / been to Devil's Tower and/or the Needles (Black Hills, not CA). Both have a lot to offer in the tradosphere, will be in-season, and are WAY closer for a 6 day trip.

I used to live in Vegas... and the approaches are long but some of the under the radar routes tend to be far better than the "classics" in my opinion. It's been my experience that usually the "classics" leave more to be desired than the off the beaten path routes. With that said, and understanding that you've been to Red Rock... I would say head to City of Rocks. That place looks amazing and from what I've heard is amazing. I would like to go there myself. I say City of Rocks.

City sounds like a good deal for you, I know it has great climbing with maybe some angry route reserving dads as the only drawback (less with summer ending?). That WY/SD stuff would call me out big time. Red Rocks is... pretty far down there on my own list.

Gallatin canyon is barely a destination. Routes are sandbagged so 10a and under theres not much to make it worth your drive. If you are in the area definately worth checking out but no comparasion to the City or Red Rocks.

Name wrote:Gallatin canyon is barely a destination. Routes are sandbagged so 10a and under theres not much to make it worth your drive. If you are in the area definately worth checking out but no comparasion to the City or Red Rocks.

I had fun in Bozeman, but I think the city of rocks blows gallstone away. If you haven't been then the city but if you have then I think youll enjoy Bozeman, especially if you stop at ten sleep and do some sports climbing.

Go to the City. Some of the best climbing you'll do anywhere.

I just got back from my first trip to the city of rocks. The climbing is fantastic and I would go back in a heartbeat. A few tips: reserve a campsite (we had 15 and it is incredible, firepit and picnic table under a huge overhanging boulder cave), also bring all your food with you, the two markets in town have minimal food but Rock City has an incredible beer selection. Fill your water up at the visitor center in Almo, the water in the park is fucking nasty and brown. Have fun, that place rocks.

Caleb Padgett wrote:I just got back from my first trip to the city of rocks. The climbing is fantastic and I would go back in a heartbeat. A few tips: reserve a campsite (we had 15 and it is incredible, firepit and picnic table under a huge overhanging boulder cave), also bring all your food with you, the two markets in town have minimal food but Rock City has an incredible beer selection. Fill your water up at the visitor center in Almo, the water in the park is fucking nasty and brown. Have fun, that place rocks.

City of rocks is awesome!

If you fish or like outstanding local beer go to Gallatin. There's a week of satisfying sub-ten climbing, world class trout slaying, and great bartenders at Bar IX in downtown.

Looks like City it is, any other recommendations on a good campsite within walking distance to good moderates? #15 is taken for our dates.

We camped by the breadloves which was pretty great.

Any site higher up like the one beneath the King on the Throne, and the Bread loaves are perfect for walking to multiple crags. Also the water pump up by the bread loaves is always cleaner than the nasty pump by bath rock.

Are you car camping, or camping inside your car? It's $15 a night to car camp in the City, but it's free to sleep in your car if you go to the free area, I'm not sure if it's BLM, Forest Service??? But I know a lot of people do that, but there is not a good place to put up a tent out there.

awesome thanks again. We were planning on car camping if we went to red rocks, otherwise we'll bring a tent.

Is there a map anywhere that compares climbing areas to the campsite map areas found here:

reserveamerica.com/camping/…

Found this post

mountainproject.com/v/city-…

For anyone else looking. Just booked #43. Psyched!