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Red Rocks Scrambles

PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 3:32 pm
by BrianChase
I am headed into Vegas dec 1-11 with my lady friend. I have recently moved back east and desperately need time in the hills. So im thinking hitch hike out to red rocks from the airport and backcounrty camp and scramble for the 10 days. There are seemingly a ton of great scrambles in the area... im looking for advice on the best and also good camp spots in the "Back Country". We are comfortable with exposed class 3-4 and are both in good shape. Im also considering bringing a rope and some draws to do sport routes in the area. Any advice would be great.


-B

Re: Red Rocks Scrambles

PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:43 pm
by Marmaduke
Send MoapaPk a "pm", he knows the area well and he can also direct you to other members with a vast knowledge of the Red Rocks. Windy Peak is a nice scramble but unless you have a high clearance vehicle, the approach is a little long.

Re: Red Rocks Scrambles

PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:11 pm
by MoapaPk
I'll exchange info on the sweet spots to camp via PM. A lot depends on what type of vehicle you expect to have. The default campground near Red Rock is OK for a place to crash, but has no charm and has lots of folks staging for climbs (which can be fun, as they socialize). Some of the more out-of-the-way places require an overnight permit (they used to be easily obtainable from the RRCNCA site, via listed phone #).

The classic is Bridge Mt via Willow Springs, and the North Peak Ridge. The route can be shortened by 3.5 miles RT or more if you have HC vehicle. You can approach Bridge by a lot of routes right off pavement (Fern Creek), but those are tougher routes for navigation -- easy to get into technical territory. What you wish to do is partly limited by your conditioning; trips off the scenic loop have the requirement that you end your hike/scramble back at the car before the loop closes at 5PM (currently opens at 6AM), unless you get the overnight permit.

I have done lots of scramble routes out there. Some are short but still a lot of fun, e.g.
http://hwstock.org/burlap/

This route is so well cairned that it is hard to get lost. The road is a bit rough but suitable for normal passenger cars with decent clearance (don't take your Lamborghini).

The options are so broad, it is hard to recommend just one.

This site lists some trip reports for the Charleston + Red Rock area-- not up-to-date, not exhaustive, but it will give you some ideas:
http://hwstock.org/map/01Spring.htm