No, no, this isn’t another blog about the zany, high wattage activities that await you along Las Vegas’ famed Strip. Rather, this blog is dedicated to you early-birds (not you high rolling night owls) who enjoy spending time outdoors rockin’ the day away—-far away from the casinos, buffets and hoopla that takes place in downtown Vegas.
Just 15 miles from the Strip in southern Nevada is a rock climber’s paradise called Red Rock Canyon. It’s regarded as one of the top places to rock climb in the nation and caters to both beginners and experienced climbers.
If you are taking your first trip to the area I would suggest contacting the American Alpine Institute at Red Rock Canyon. The organization can provide you with information that will help you make the most of your time navigating the giant park. The employees are especially helpful in pointing you in the right direction and matching your climbing skills to the variety of routes. Red Rock’s climbs and routes range from bouldering (done low to the ground), sports climbing (typically 80 to 150 feet), and multipitch climbs with ropes for more advanced rock scalers.
According to Institute workers, the best time to visit is October through May. The temperatures in the summer months can reach dangerous levels and most inexperienced climbers are encouraged to come back when the weather is a bit more pleasant.
Besides the rock quality, Red Rock Canyon’s other big draw is its location. The Canyon is less than a 30-minute drive from the Vegas Strip (though once you get there you’d think you were a world away). Also, it is smack in the middle of two other world famous climbing destinations. Red Rock is three hours north of California’s Joshua Tree National Park and about a 2.5 hour drive from the amazing sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park in Utah.
The area is also well known for its wildlife, including mountain sheep, snakes and “Mojave Max,” the desert tortoise. So pack your cameras—that way you can prove to your friends that there is more to Vegas than just casinos and wedding chapels.
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