Red Rock Canyon

 

It’s hard to believe that such an incredible wilderness can exist in such close proximity to the sprawling Las Vegas. This world class climbing destination encompasses nearly 200,000 acres within the Mojave Desert. The Aztec sandstone walls of Red Rock Canyon are striped white from wind transported sand and brilliant red from the iron oxide in these lithified sand dunes.  The combination of variety, length, and accessibility to classic routes in remote settings make Red Rock a must-visit destination for every rock climber.

Rock-climbing-Red-Rock-Las-Vegas

Multipitch Climbing

Red Rock boasts possibly the largest concentration of moderate multipitch rock climbing in the country. Crisp edges, incredible exposure and fun movement define the rock climbing here. With easy access to so much variety, this venue is also great for trad leader instruction if you’d like to tick classic routes while also focusing on developing your technical skillset. Some favorite routes include:

  • Tunnel Vision (5.7, 6 pitches)

  • Birdland (5.7+, 6 pitches)

  • Dark Shadows (5.8, 4 pitches)

  • Black Dagger (5.8, 6 pitches)

  • Jubilant Song (5.8, 8 pitches)

  • Epinephrine (5.9, 13 pitches)

  • Risky Business (5.10, 4 pitches)

  • Nightcrawler (5.10+, 5 pitches)

  • Levitation 29 (5.11, 9 pitches)

 

Details

SEASONS

  • Spring: Cool temps make for great rock climbing in the sun

  • Summer: Popular and warm temps, chase the shade and start early

  • Autumn: Great temps and less crowds

PRICE

  • 1 climber: $625/day

  • 2 climbers: $400/person/day

* A travel stipend may apply.

Logistics

LODGING

Plentiful hotel options exist throughout the Las Vegas area for all budgets, a hotel with early breakfast options is encouraged. A personal recommendation is:

  • La Quinta Red Rock, W Sahara Ave: Affordable lodging conveniently located nearby to the climbing

There is also a Bureau of Land Management campground near the climbing. Reservations can be made online for the Red Rock Canyon Campground.

TRAVEL

McCarran International Airport is conveniently located outside of Las Vegas, less than a 30 minute drive from Red Rocks. Affordable flights and rental cars make this climbing particularly easy for travelers.

 
Equipment List

CLOTHING

  • Underwear: Should be comfortable, synthetic fibers wick moisture away from the body

  • Sports bra (for women)

  • Hiking socks: Mini crew size and lightweight to midweight warmth/cushion

  • Sun hat

  • Lightweight t-shirt: Merino wool or synthetic fibers will wick sweat away and keep you cooler and more comfortable during hot temps

  • Midweight fleece jacket: An integrated hood adds warmth and weather protection

  • Wind jacket: Must have an integrated hood, stretch fabric is often more durable

  • Lightweight insulated jacket: Down is lighter and more compressible

  • Climbing pants: Lightweight and stretchy

  • Shorts: Optional, for warmer temps

CLIMBING GEAR

  • Climbing backpack: Approximately 30+ liters

  • On-route pack: Approximately 15 liters, optional for longer routes. It is also possible to carry a 25-ish liter pack to the base of the route and then also use it on the route instead of the two pack system

  • Approach shoes: Must have sticky rubber outsole for security while scrambling on the approach and/or descent

  • Rock climbing shoes: Comfortable for all day wear

  • Chalk bag w/ chalk

  • Belay gloves: Full fingered recommended

  • Crack gloves: Optional, manufactured tape gloves are more comfortable and provide great base coverage for the best protection while hand jamming

  • Climbing helmet: Must be UIAA certified

  • Harness: Must have a belay loop and at least two gear loops

  • Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner

  • 48 inch (120cm) sewn nylon sling. A Personal Anchor System (PAS) can be used instead, though is less versatile

  • Prusik loop: Optional, 3ft of 6mm accessory cord tied into a prusik loop or a manufactured rappel backup

  • 20 feet 6mm accessory cord: Optional, can be helpful for anchor building

  • 2-3 Locking carabiners Lightweight, screwgate is easier to operate than a triple-action carabiner

  • 1-2 Non locking carabiners

  • Knife: Optional, should clip to carabiner in locked position

  • Athletic tape: avoid generic pharmacy brands as they are not as durable or sticky

ACCESSORIES

  • Sunglasses: Dimmable recommended, CAT 3 lenses w/ athletic fit

  • Small tube of sunscreen and SPF chap stick

  • First aid kit: Small, should include any personal medications

  • Fully charged phone

  • Headlamp with fully charged batteries

  • 2 liters of water: A soft water bottle is more comfortable in a pack but care needs to be taken to not puncture it

  • High energy lunch and snacks: A healthy mix of fats, sugar, and protein for a full day of the on-the-go (leftover pizza or sandwiches are a great midday pick-me-up)