Girlfriend & I are making a pilgrimage to Red Rocks for the better part of next week to see what all the fuss is about (& the weather around our parts sucks for climbing). Haven't spent any time in Vegas other than stopping by an In 'n' Out whilst passing through, so I am basically clueless, other than my own stereotyped preconceptions of the place.

Any suggestions- from nightlife (unfortunately I'm not drinking for the next few weeks, so bar suggestions not useful), to camping, to general safety (I've heard that cars are prone to break-in whilst climbing at Red Rocks), to good cheap eats, to climbs to do at RR, would be greatly appreciated. Worth bringing a mountain bike, or will it just get jacked?

I think we're going to try to mostly stay out of Vegas & make it an outdoor-themed trip, but I'm sure we'll probably go out for a night or 2 as well.

If anyone wants to join in some climbing, hang out at the campfire, or have dinner some night in the city (SP group get-together?), that would be cool- let me know! -D

The parking lot for bikers, off the 160 heading to Pahrump, had some break-ins-- park closer to the road in that lot. I've parked at the pull-offs on 159 S of the scenic loop (N and S of First Creek parking), never had problems (knock on wood). Maybe that's because I keep gear out of sight and have a crappy-looking car. If you are going to S RR and have a 4x4, you can just head up the dirt roads and be away from most vandals.

I've never heard of break-ins inside the scenic loop (open 7AM to 7PM), but of course you have to be out of there by 7PM, unless you plan ahead and get a late exit permit. Last I checked, it was possible to get late exit permits and camp on the one drivable rough road (4x4 HC required) above 4900', if you got permission by 1st calling the rangers.

There is dispersed camping on BLM land in Lovell canyon on the west side-- no permit required, but not all that close.

The official BLM camping area is on the road to the fire station, and is pretty bare-bones.

I'm not a night-life person, but you might check what's going on at Red Rock Station (hotel and Casino), or Suncoast.

Check out Frogland, Group Therapy, or Ginger Cracks. Crimson Chrysalis or Birdland are way popular, but fun as well. I Recommend the Black Corridor or the Panty Wall for some fun sport cragging. Have fun!

I have climbed most all the trad multi pitch climbs at RR through 5.11 and asterisked my favorites here. This list is easy to follow for most. The index page tells you grade, number of pitches and whether I like it or not. Once you click a link to a route page, the gear requirement at the bottom normally references sunny or shady route. Good chance this time of year that you can take either, no worries. We like the Naked Fish on Durango, mostly for the name and atmosphere, but the sushi is decent to. About as close as any good sushi to the campground. The campground is one of the most unpleasant I have ever used, but I am use to large national parks in Canada, Zion, Moab, etc. We hate it so much, that we have day tripped it for V- 20hr climbs (only 2 hrs each way, but try staying awake coming home from climbing resolution arete). Theft is an issue, you need to be smart about it. It is Vegas man, get real. Might want to rent the movie Hangover before you head over so you can get prepared. Clark County jail actually feeds you well though.

We've had a recommendation here to stay at the Bonnie Springs motel. With some futzing, you can probably get a room at the suncoast for about $60/night, and can pig out at breakfast.

Since I live 7 miles from the visitor center, I'm not too often concerned about places to stay. And, I'm not about to put the "sweet camping spots" on a public forum. In the last year, the management at RR has changed, and is getting big into discovering new interpretations of rules.

Let's put it this way: on plain BLM land, say in Lovell Canyon, dispersed camping is OK. The rules for RRCNCA are that you must camp above 4900'. I leave the rest to you.

I know people who have quietly "camped out" in the parking lot for Red Rock Station; it's a casino, and people are there all hours, plus the management doesn't mind having the parking lot full. Just don't be obvious.

Speaking of potential crime in and around sin city. Last night, I was watching John Stossel, who is a dedicated libertarian like myself, do a show on prostitution. He interviewed the Bunny ranch owner and one of the professional independent contractors in front of a live, rather conservative -(Fox News studio) audience. It was a good show and I felt the two guests made a good case to leave legalized prostitution alone in their county (under attack by Senator Reid who grew up on the money of brothels). In any regard, one of the stats thrown about was that the mayor of Vegas claims there are over 3000 pimps running illegal prostitution in Vegas. A town of 1 mil with 3000 pimps? Legalize it and collect sales tax for gods sake.

Dow Williams wrote:that the mayor of Vegas claims there are over 3000 pimps running illegal prostitution in Vegas. A town of 1 mil with 3000 pimps? Legalize it and collect sales tax for gods sake.

Sounds like top-heavy management.

Thanks a lot for the opinions, commentary, and most importantly, suggestions. Should be there by tomorrow- looking forward to it!

The road into Black Velvet Canyon is the best that I've seen it in 10 years. The BLM graded it recently, and we saw a few 2wd sedans (maybe pushing it a bit) at the TH. This is the gravel road that starts at the NE side of the big parking lot that is on route 160 (to Mountain Springs and Pahrump from the intersection with 159).