cynicalwoodsman Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 I'm planning a traverse of the states between Ohio and B'ham (one- way) via I-90 in early or mid-summer. Without going (too) far off-route, what crags/routes/peaks/singletrack/bars/cat houses/opium dens/buffets/parties/diners/headshops/roadcuts/festivals/swap meets/strip clubs would you suggest I make a point to hit along the way? I know crags exist in norhern midwest states that one might not typically think of i.e. illinois, nebraska, michigan and S Dakota (and probably others). I've never taken 90 or thought about doin' much til the rockies. Any links you could hook me with that might potentially aid in finding partners at these spots would be cool too, such as local websites, forums, friends, etc... along with good campgrounds or maybe a hostel. :brew:Cheers! Quote
Jopa Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 Devil's lake in Wisconsin will be the best spot in the upper midwest that is along I-90. Try to go on a weekday to avoid all the FIBs. There is also a good sandstone crag near the town of Necedah, just before I-90 & I-94 split. Mountain project has good info on both crags. Quote
genepires Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 how about getting off the i90 just a little bit and hit up city of rocks. Just off i80, I believe is the hwy number. That hwy would get you within sights of tetons too. Quote
cynicalwoodsman Posted January 27, 2011 Author Posted January 27, 2011 Devil's lake in Wisconsin will be the best spot in the upper midwest that is along I-90. Try to go on a weekday to avoid all the FIBs. There is also a good sandstone crag near the town of Necedah, just before I-90 & I-94 split. Mountain project has good info on both crags. FIB's? Quote
Jopa Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 Devil's lake in Wisconsin will be the best spot in the upper midwest that is along I-90. Try to go on a weekday to avoid all the FIBs. There is also a good sandstone crag near the town of Necedah, just before I-90 & I-94 split. Mountain project has good info on both crags. FIB's? F*cking Illinois Bastards! They siege the place on the weekends. Quote
cynicalwoodsman Posted January 27, 2011 Author Posted January 27, 2011 how about getting off the i90 just a little bit and hit up city of rocks. Just off i80, I believe is the hwy number. That hwy would get you within sights of tetons too. Good call. Been meanin' to check out City. Got "lost" in the wind rivers last trip out. Wyoming is pretty amazing. Haven't climbed there yet though. The Tetons are truly amazing. Can I climb the grand 'n still be down in time for happy hour? Quote
wfinley Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 Devils Tower is just across the South Dakota / Wyoming border. If you don't have a whole day to spend craggin you can get to the top and back down in 4ish hours. A great outing in a spectacular setting! After Devils Tower cut west through Yellowstone. When you hit the main Yellowstone road head south and drive to the Tetons. After the Tetons go over Teton Pass towards Idaho Falls and on towards City of Rocks. My only other suggestion is to pick a small town in Indiana where you can stop for breakfast at a local cafe. Pick the smallest town possible and walk in around 9am and sit at the bar. A great way to see part of America that you normally don't think of. Quote
Maine-iac Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 Second Devils tower. That place is AWESOME. There is also a ton of climbing and great exploring around rapid city (black hills, sturges motorcycle rally, mr rushmoore, the pinnacles for climbing), the badlands are well worth your time checking out (I did a heli ride for 60$ and it was worth every cent) south dakota will be your state for shitty places to stop off and see random stuff. There are a number of NPS along the way. I think the hard part would be to choose between going to the Tetons/yellowstone or going north up to glacial national park. If you have the time/money I would see both places. Not as much climbing up in glacier but it is gorgeous and remote. I've done the drive from Iowa to Oregon 4 times now so I've gone all the ways you can. We can chat more if you want. Quote
AlpineK Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 (edited) Devil's Tower has rad climbing. It is subject to some climbing closures. I don't know the dates offhand, but it is something to think about when planning climbing trip stops. Edit: I looked at the NPS information. As long as your trip is after June climbing isn't an issue. Edited January 27, 2011 by Feck Quote
mountainmatt Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 Check out Custer State park on the west side of South Dakota. Awesome rock formations! . Quote
Off_White Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 I've always thought some of that stuff on the shore of Lake Superior would be interesting to check out... Quote
wfinley Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 I think the hard part would be to choose between going to the Tetons/yellowstone or going north up to glacial national park. If you have the time/money Glacier is a beautiful park! However if you opt to head up that way check first to make sure the Going to the sun Road is open (usually opens in mid-June). If the road is not open it's hard to see much of the park. Quote
genepires Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 you had better allow 3 months to get from OH to the west coast. A lot of good stuff between. We will see you around in october if you don't decide to stay someplace else from your travels. Quote
cynicalwoodsman Posted January 28, 2011 Author Posted January 28, 2011 Gene, I'm just hoping to hit a couple. But a lot to see... yer damn right. Depends on job start-date, and/or how much dough I can bank now. Hope to "see you" in June. Quote
tthirloway Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 You can definitely climb the Grand and be down in time for happy hour, but most years the Owen-Spalding route doesn't melt out until July. The Upper Exum might come in a little earlier. If you need climbing partners in the Tetons check out the Climber's Ranch. Quote
Pete_H Posted January 29, 2011 Posted January 29, 2011 Tons of climbing in Montana just off I-90. Gallatin Canyon near Bozeman and the Bitterroot Range (Kootenai and Blodgett Canyons) near Missoula. Both are great college towns and worth going to for their own sake. Quote
Teh Phuzzy Posted January 30, 2011 Posted January 30, 2011 Barn Bluff on the Mississippi (beautiful drive up the river road from 90) is an interesting piece of work. A crag with an ice age's worth of sediments on top. Nice limestone with some funky gems scattered about. Off_White- The Superior granite is so hard and sharp, it is like nothing I have ever climbed. And all five layers of the granite are unique. Thinking about a free-solo-over-water trip to the good old BWCAW this summer. Man, I really miss that place. I never made it to Devil's Lake, but I've only heard good things. Quote
cynicalwoodsman Posted January 30, 2011 Author Posted January 30, 2011 You're givin' me pearls, boys! Keep it comin'! Quote
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