[TR] Red Rocks Nevada - Cruisers 3/28/2010

[Crillz]

Trip: Red Rocks Nevada - Cruisers

 

Date: 3/28/2010

 

Trip Report:

Prequel:

Spring break was coming up for my girlfriend (Amy). She needed a break from the grad-school grind, and I, well I just needed a break from the daily desk jockey grind. Somewhere warm and sunny was her request… somehow I talked her into going to Red Rocks.

 

The Travels:

We decided to road trip it down to the desert. Luckily the weather was good for driving, but the scenery in eastern Nevada is, um… Anyway, we made it from Seattle to the town of bling-bling in two days (I’d guess about 18 hours of driving).

I was a little worried about available campsites in infamous Campghanistan due to the soon-to-be ending RR Rendezvous, but I had a plan. Somehow I had also talked my parents into having our annual visit in the Sin City area, so they were able to arrive early and secure a little plot of the arid region. Mom and dad don’t climb, but they’re good sports.

 

Amy, Da Author, Da Author's Pops:

 

The Climbing:

This was my 3rd trip to Red Rocks, and with Amy along it would give me a good reason to hit up the “easy” classics. Endless supplies of beta exist for the routes that we climbed, so I won’t bore you with too much more.

 

The Routes:

Cat in the Hat – Amy and I climbed this “popular” route on a nice sunny day. The climb was perfect except for the horde of other climbers, which was expected. We did the climb in 4 pitches (to the top of the “slab” pitch) and had one minor stuck rope off the top rappel.

 

Johnny Vegas/ Solar Slab Link – We met up with Sherri (a fellow cc.commie) and went for the ultimate low grade send. I’m pretty sure we starting climbing around 9:30 or 10:00 – in part due to approach issues and, of course other parties. We topped out on JVegas in 3+ pitches and did 6 pitches on SSlab, finishing up with the hand crack pitch. I’m pretty sure we were about 50’ or so from the top of the rap route when we decided to call it. The descent took about 2-1/2 hours with one rope snafu (easily fixed by another group rapping behind us).

 

Washingtonian's in the Desert? Send master Sherri:

Top of JVegas:

Some Solar Slabbing (P2):

 

Geronimo – Once again Amy and I met up with Sherri for a romp up this splendid cruiser, on Sherri’s suggestion. 4 pitches of jugs! Great climb to end with.

Geronimo. Nice belay spot down there:

Finally got to see a crew of these:

 

Non-climbing Beta:

That porter at BJ’s restaurant is delish!

The sushi joint in the Red Rocks Casino was damn tasty, and didn’t seem to expensive.

A hotel room every-other night is the way to go (when your girl is with you).

Keep an eye out for the sketchy brothels out West.

Will provide climbing related beta if requested.

 

 

Gear Notes:

Climbing shizzle.

Firewood.

Beerz.

 

Approach Notes:

Remembering to call in for a late exit permit!

[billcoe]

Keep an eye out for the sketchy brothels out West.

Will provide related beta if requested.

 

OK, bring it! Nice TR! Glad you had (relatively) good weather too!

[Sherri]

Great pics and write-up, Crillz. Brings back fun memories--thanks for letting me tag along with you and Amy.

 

BTW, you were right about the Geronimo approach. There is a much shorter, direct approach via the trail from the east side of the Oak Creek parking lot. I figgered out the shortcuts today when we headed over to do One Arm Bandit(near Olive Oil.) Sorry for the extra walk, pal.

[offroadfanatic]

I love the climbing out there! So much climbing so little time.

 

solar slabs is a classic! The "walk off" the top was about the worst walk ever. Better to rap off. Takes less time.

 

Pics bring back good memories! Good report.