Trip Report: Rock Climb - Red Rocks, NV
|
Rock Climb - Red Rocks, NV By Steph Stamm |
||
| CLIMBING | 03/05/2026 | MOD |
| Dreaming of sun and sandstone, the crew headed south for a long weekend in Red Rock Canyon's famous cragging and moderate multi-pitch, just outside of Vegas. Most trickled in Thursday evening to the group site that Steph had arranged, situated between the glow of the city lights and the dark silhouette of rock we'd soon be climbing. Waiting at camp were Bryan and Ambrose - the trip's advance guard - who had already scoped out the classic Birdland (5.7+ 6p) and reported excellent sends. Friday saw the group split into several ambitious teams. Nathan, Jon, Quinn, and Matt had their eyes on the epic 1500-foot linkup of Myster Z (5.7 7p) and Armatron (5.9 6p) while Steph, Paul, Ambrose, and Bryan set out for the equally classic Purblind Pillar (5.8 6p). Each team had their own battles on the rock - Purblind offered up funky moves and sparse protection, while the Myster Z team battled a hallmark Red Rock problem - crowds. Despite bluebird skies, a sharp shift in weather brought frigid winds that funnelled relentlessly up the walls. Clinging to the precious sunlight and the sandstone that it warmed, both teams pressed upward, topping out in style before retreating to camp for warmth and well-earned adult beverages. The fun continued into Saturday with most of the group opting for quick hits in The Black Corridor, accessed via an improvised "canyoneering route" that turned into a memorable detour - complete with passing packs (and dogs) over squat sandstone bulges and carefully traversing cambered terrain around potholes. Elsewhere, Bryan and Nathan kicked off on Solar Slab (5.6 9p) with the express mission of "retiring" the infamous green club rope by getting it irretrievably stuck in true desert fashion. Pitch after pitch of runouts, cracks, and corners failed to claim it. Against all odds, the green rope lives on for another climbing adventure. The day closed out with tales around the fire ring and a potluck dinner back at camp - which by-and-large took advantage of the Costco a mere 10 minutes away. Sunday brought the trip to a close. Some packed up early for the drive home, while others squeezed in a few final pitches on roadside classics like Man's Best Friend (5.7 2p), Kibbles 'n Bits (5.8 2p) and Fender Bender (5.6). Between our goodbyes, plans for future trips were already taking shape. With a lifetime of climbing tucked into the surrounding canyons, it was hard not to imagine what stories might unfold the next time the crew heads south! |
||
| View Photo Album |
||