I just finished what is likely to be my last alpine trip for the season this weekend. The day we said goodbye in Bishop it was just reaching 70 degrees. Fall is here, the aspens have turned golden, and the top of the peaks are dusted with snow. Its time to break out the skis, sharpen the tools, and get ready for another winter...Forget that - let's go rock climbing!
Seriously, now that its getting damn cold in the mountains, the temperatures in the valleys just can't be beat. We're talking highs in the 60's and 70's, folks. That means if you want to come to Bishop and work on your technical climbing skills, it won't get any better then Clark's Canyon and Owens River Gorge for clipping bolts, and Little Egypt for clipping gear.
Want to go out for a little more "expedition" experience? El Potrero Chico, outside of
Monterey, Mexico, is where its at. We'd stay at the Posada, which features a full community kitchen, rooms with private baths, and if you don't want to cook Luis' Mom has a fantastic restaurant on the premises. Just next door is the best coffee and the rock climbing is less then 15 minutes walk up the road. El Potrero is an incredible formation of limestone, known most famously for its multi-pitch routes. The only caveat emptor: The climbing starts at 5.8, and is dominantly 5.10. You should be ready to follow 5.10b if you really want to make the most out of a week here.Does that sound like a little much? Then there is someplace just as big but closer than you may think - Red Rocks, Nevada. Located just outside of Las Vegas, this place is equally famous for incredible multi-pitch trad routes - especially those below 5.10. If you are still working on your technique, but want to climb longer routes, then this is the place to go. We can either stay at the group campsite from 24-28 October, or at a single site any other time, or you can stay in a hotel in town and be driven out to the climbing daily - the Strip is less then 30 minutes away!!
But multi-pitch routes aren't for every one. Maybe you just want to work on your technique in an incredible desert setting, only a few hours drive from Los Angeles. It can only mean Joshua Tree National Park. With over 1000 individual routes to choose from, this is the place to work on your climbing. They say if you can climb the grade in J-Tree, you can climb anywhere. And like Red Rocks, camping or hotels are possible.
But not everyone lives in LA - some of us are lucky enough to live near San Francisco Bay. And for us, we have Lover's Leap and Donner Summit. Both are great destinations for single to four pitch climbs up to 5.9 in difficulty. Both have camping and hotel options nearby: Lover's Leap looks down on the historic stage stop of Strawberry and the Strawberry Inn and Restaurant. Donner Summit is only a few mile west of the historic and adventure summit town of Truckee.So that's what is on my mind, as I wait for the snow to really fall and skiing to start at my new ski area: Alpine Meadows. Until then, you can count on my heading out and enjoying cool air and warm rock this fall. Interested in joining me? Send me a comment with your email and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Cheers
Chris
