Las Vegas Nevada Rock Climbing - Red Rock Canyon
Info on Visiting Red Rocks for Sport Climbing, Bouldering, & Camping
Mar 29, 2009
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – often called “Red Rocks” by rock climbers – is a favorite Nevada climbing destination. This Las Vegas-area rock climbing hotspot offers traditional climbing, sport climbing, and bouldering. In this article, find specific information about Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area fees and rules, camping in Red Rocks, sport climbing in Red Rocks, and bouldering in Red Rocks.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Fees and Rules
Red Rock Canyon lies on BLM lands, and it is a U.S. Fee Area. Entrance to the area costs $5 per vehicle per day. A nontransferable annual pass costs $20, so for those staying more than four days, this is the obvious option. The park hours change with the seasons, so be sure to know when to leave to avoid receiving a fine. Dogs are allowed, but should be leashed at all times.
Visit the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Web site for a full rundown of rules and regulations.
Red Rock's Camping – Close to Las Vegas
Camping is generally not permitted within the conservation area. For sport climbers and boulderers, the best camping option is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area campground. This campground lies on Moenkopi Road, closer to Las Vegas than the park. Signs on Charleston Boulevard (Route 159) indicate where to turn. Camping is $10 per night (two vehicles per site), with a 14-day camping limit. Water and outhouses are provided.
Sport Climbing in Red Rocks
In addition to its world-class traditional climbing, Red Rock Canyon is home to some excellent sandstone sport crags featuring a wide range of grades. The following sport crags represent just a handful of the top spots to hit during a Red Rock sport climbing visit:
- The Gallery/Wall of Confusion, two well-known crags at the second pullout. These crags are home to such Red Rock climbing classics as The Gift (12d), Yaak Crack (11d), and Fear and Loathing (12a), as well as other worthy routes in the 5.10-5.13 range.
- The Pier, a shady crag at the Sandstone Quarry. Fun for a day or two of Red Rock sport climbing, The Pier’s routes include a classic 5.11a, as well as a number of other fun routes mainly in the 5.11-5.12 range.
- The Trophy, a sun/shade crag at the Sandstone Quarry. This super-steep crag’s offerings include The Trophy (12b/c), Keep Your Powder Dry (12b), Shark Walk (13a), and Twilight of a Champion (13a). Warm-ups can be found nearby at the Wake-Up Wall.
In addition to the above, Red Rock Canyon has many, many more top-notch sport climbing crags worth visiting, such as Cannibal Crag, Sunny ‘n’ Steep, Stratocaster Wall, Secret 13, Magic Bus, and Alternative Crag, among others.
Bouldering in Red Rocks
Red Rock's bouldering is not only great for boulderers, but it is also a fun diversion for sport/trad climbers looking to check out something different for the day. The area is easily accessed via Calico Basin, close to the campground. It is free to boulder (or rock climb) in Calico Basin. Red Rock's bouldering includes an almost infinite variety of mellow boulder problems, as well as some intermediate and advanced grades.
Las Vegas Rock Climbing – Red Rock Canyon
Enjoy some of what Nevada rock climbing has to offer with a visit to the beautiful Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Pay a small user fee to enter the park, and be sure to know the park rules. Red Rock's camping is available close by for a $10 nightly fee. Red Rock's sport climbing is plentiful and has something for everyone. Red Rock's bouldering is free and fun.
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