Rock Climbing Honeymoon

Hey Guys,
I'm getting married the beginning of June, and my fiance and I are looking for an awesome climbing destination to visit on our honeymoon. Since we're east coast people, we're thinking we'll explore something out west. The important things are:
1) Awesome setting
2) Relatively easy access - we'd like to rent a nice cabin nearby and <1 hr hike would be nice
3) Climbs in the 5.8-5.10 range - we have fun with lots of styles (face, slab, crack, chimney) - as long as it's not all slab, we'll have fun
4) Some multi-pitch is good, but we won't be attacking anything that can't be easily done in a day.
5) Trad is fine, if not preferred.

Thanks so much for your input!!
Brian

yosemiteee

Tahoe immediately comes to mind as somewhere that would fit those criteria well. There is a good tourism infrastructure, and it would be easy to figure out a cabin rental. Weather-wise, June is a very good month to be there. Very scenic. As far as climbing goes, Lover's Leap (near South Lake Tahoe) is the really premier crag there. For 2-5 pitch routes in the 5.7-5.10 range, it is one of the best places in the country, with interesting climbing on steep, highly featured rock; a very user-friendly crag. Lots of nice single pitch crags, and non-climbing activities, in the area too.

Another area to look into would be Estes Park, Colorado. Has similar things to offer as Tahoe, and also is good at that time of year. The really high country is still snowy in June, but area like Lumpy Ridge would be perfect. Pretty mountain area with lots of hiking, etc, as well.

June is, in many ways, kind of a tricky month in the West. The low-elevation, desert areas are way too hot by then, but the high-elevation, alpine areas are often still snowy (depending on the year), and the PNW is still rainy. You have to thus shoot for the middle and go to mid-elevation, montane areas. Tahoe and Estes would both fit into this category. Yosemite is potentially good, too (earlier in the month before it gets too hot), but the logistics of traveling there can be problematic.

Yosemite Valley would be great in May, less so in June because of heat and crowds. Tuolumne Meadows could be great in late June or July, depending on how much snow falls this winter. Accommodation for either one is going to be difficult unless you stay outside the park and drive in every day. Even then it could be difficult. How firm is your wedding date at this point?

I know you say you are "east coast", but have you considered the northeast?

As long as there's no government shutdown like there was on my honeymoon, Acadia National Park (and the rest of the island) is the first place that comes to mind. Check it out- it's easy enough to get to from Portland, ME or Boston and the tourist season isn't really getting into the swing of things until late June there. Climbing is spread out over many sites on the island, some are sea cliffs, others more inland. Depending on when you are getting married, early June can be buggy with black flies, but the last 2 weeks should be better. Worth a look, IMHO.

JCM wrote:Tahoe immediately comes to mind as somewhere that would fit those criteria well. There is a good tourism infrastructure, and it would be easy to figure out a cabin rental. Weather-wise, June is a very good month to be there. Very scenic. As far as climbing goes, Lover's Leap (near South Lake Tahoe) is the really premier crag there. For 2-5 pitch routes in the 5.7-5.10 range, it is one of the best places in the country, with interesting climbing on steep, highly featured rock; a very user-friendly crag. Lots of nice single pitch crags, and non-climbing activities, in the area too.

Exactly…..

The Needles.
Someone posted a TR that included a bed and breakfast located right nearby. I'd say combine 2-3 nights there after the Valley/Tahoe/etc to escape the crowds!

Make an afternoon trip to see the Giant Sequoias if you haven't before. The Valley and The Needles have groves nearby.

Ten sleep Wyoming is good in June. Mostly sport but there is a wide variety of routes from 5.8 cracks and 5.7 slab to superb 5.10 and harder slightly overhanging routes.

Squamish,there is also so much more than climbing in Vancouver and Whistler,

Rolf Rybak wrote:Squamish,there is also so much more than climbing in Vancouver and Whistler,

+1

Devils Tower, Wyoming.

Treat yourself to a stay at Devils Tower Lodge. View of the tower, breakfast every morning. Awesome host (Frank). Easy access to the climbing.

We were out there a bit over 3 months after we got married, and while it wasn't an official honeymoon, that's really what it was. Perfect setting, awesome stay. Recomended.

City of Rocks meets your climbing criteria perfectly.

not sure about cabins, though.

dano72 wrote:City of Rocks meets your climbing criteria perfectly. not sure about cabins, though.

Cabins in Alma, but spring is not the time to be at the City to much potential for rain.

The Strawberry Lodge at lovers leap might be just perfect moderate climbing nice rooms and lots of other variety around, other wise
Yosemite if you can find a room. Have fun where every you end up.

Dan Felix wrote:I know you say you are "east coast", but have you considered the northeast? As long as there's no government shutdown like there was on my honeymoon, Acadia National Park (and the rest of the island) is the first place that comes to mind. Check it out- it's easy enough to get to from Portland, ME or Boston and the tourist season isn't really getting into the swing of things until late June there. Climbing is spread out over many sites on the island, some are sea cliffs, others more inland. Depending on when you are getting married, early June can be buggy with black flies, but the last 2 weeks should be better. Worth a look, IMHO.

I second Acadia that place is amazing...

Tahoe +1.

Pm me for a place to rent in Tahoma. 15 mins from mayhem and 90' wall.

Btw congrats!

Tahoe! ...and rent a boat! Hotel are super cheap. ...and "Lovers leap" how appropriate!

Camp overnight at Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe campground bring food and fire wood. Place so beautiful you will never want to leave!

+1 for Devils Tower and Frank's Lodge, Frank and the crew are awesome people, but be aware there is a voluntary closure of the tower in June.

Caymen Brac.
climbcaymanbrac.com

Steven E. wrote:Caymen Brac. climbcaymanbrac.com

lol