Crag Rock Climb - Red Rock Canyon

Fly into Las Vegas airport on or before April 19 and fly out of Las Vegas airport on April 23 (coordinate with leader).  Group will rent car(s) and drive to an AirBnB near Red Rocks.  On April 23 the group will drive back to Las Vegas airport and fly home.

Itinerary Highlights:   An introduction to one of the best rock climbing areas in the country, by experienced climb leaders. Try classic routes such as Cat in the Hat, Johnny Vegas, and Lady Luck. Receive guidance from an experienced and skilled Mountaineers’ leader to improve participant’s rock climbing technique and gear placement.

Difficulty:  The classic climbs at Red Rock Canyon typically rate between 5.6 – 5.8. On our day of arrival we will warm up with single pitch climbing in the Willow Springs area. This gives participants a feel for the rock in the area and a gauge for how hard they would like to lead on the multipitch climbing on the following days.

Prior to departure, the entire group will meet to plan which climbs will occur each day. Each team will be led by a Mountaineers Climb leader (Ian, Rena or Loni). We will split in to 3 or more rope teams, but stay within a specific area each day. For example, one day two groups may climb Cat in the Hat, while another team goes up Cookie Monster (which has a close by starting point). Another day, teams may go to Geronimo, Solar Gully or Johnny Vegas. These are all classic multipitch rock climbs rated 5.6-5.7. Participants will follow experienced leaders to the climbing crags, and not waste any time wandering/hiking around looking for the base of the route.  Participants also have the option of leading (and this time around some are competent to lead harder than 5.8).  Prior to the trip, we will explain all the options and routes, and have groups go together to designated crags.   Since Loni teaches the crag course, she has had participants as students and can double assess what participants can lead.

Participant Requirements: All participants should be experienced in multipitch traditional rock climbing. Ideally participants will have completed the Mountaineers’ Crag course or the Rock Modules 1 & 2 of the Intermediate Alpine Climbing Course. This requirement can be waived with approval by any of the trip/climb leaders.  Participant requirements:  It is preferred  you be able to do some of the leading, so routes will be chosen based on each individual's ability.  The crag climb leader will be present to assure success on each route.  You MUST be able to follow up to 5.8 ideally minimum 5.6, lead belay experience is a MUST.  You will be expected to be able to clean gear and rappel without assistance. The ratio will be 1 trip leader with 2 participants. Route difficulty will be picked based on the team skill and desires. We will have a pre-trip planning meeting to decide on specific routes that everyone is comfortable with. The routes will range from 5.6 to 5.8, and all be routes that at least one of us (usually Loni) has completed before. The 3 teams will be climbing near by each other, if not on the same route, so navigation to the crag will not be an issue.

Time of year:  APRIL 2019, to maximize the warm weather and long sunny days 

Lodging:  We'll be staying at an AirBnB home with the other participants.    

Food:  Climber will buy their own food upon arrival.  

Leader’s experience: Leaders Ian Dickson, Rena Chinn and Loni Uchityl have been climbing at Red Rocks for 10 years and have all led Mountaineers rock climbs for the past 5 years.

Trip Price Detail:  $600, including 3 days of climbing, all transportation once in Red Rocks, Park pass fees, accommodations and a competent climb leader to lead the trad pitches you either cannot or do not want to lead.  Does not include each individual's transportation costs to Red Rocks, or their food while in Red Rocks.

Registration: Please contact the leader Rena Chinn (seattlerena@gmail.com) for permission to register.  After the leader’s approval, pay the trip price online or by calling Mountaineers Member Services 206-521-6001, in order to hold your space on the roster. Registration will close on April 10, 2018 or whenever the roster fills. A place on the roster can only be held with your trip payment.  

Participation in the trip will also be conditional upon completion and signature of the Global Adventures Liability Release and Indemnity Agreement. Please complete and submit this form as soon as possible after your register.

Participants are required to carry medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance at their own expense.  Trip cancellation/interruption coverage is recommended but optional.   Find information and guidance about purchasing this insurance.

Cancellation: If you cancel from this trip for any reason, you may receive a refund less non-recoverable expenses and a $100 administrative fee.  Refunds may be delayed until after the group returns in order to fully determine the expenses that can be recovered.