Gone Outdoor Rock Climbing
“The best climber is the one having the most fun.”
--Alex Lowe
On the way back from the Grand Canyon, Erik invited us to go rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon, about 15 miles west of Las Vegas. We shifted our plans a little so we could go because we thought it sounded awesome. I had only done indoor rock climbing at Planet Granite one time, and J had never done any rock climbing before. He picked us up at 6:30 and drove us out there. The area is absolutely gorgeous.
The geology in this area is just spectacular. The colors and patterns of the rock are unlike anything I’d ever seen before.
After a 10-15 minute hike up to the Panty Wall, the wall we were going to climb. The Panty Wall routes have some really hilarious names like Granny Panties, Tighty Whities, Thong, and Cover My Buttress.
After Erik set up the rope, I got ready to climb.
I started my ascent up the crack in this corner.
Having that big rock on my right really helped until I passed it. The route got a little bit harder after that point.
I was stuck at this one section for a while. I was having trouble finding spots for my feet to go.
Eventually, I did make it to the top. I touched the carabiners and celebrated the finish.
J also took this route after me, and she totally got up the cliff super fast. Actually, she made my climb look pretty silly.
After a short lesson on belaying, Erik had me belay for him while he went to go to the top to fetch the rope.
Erik also set up a second, more difficult route. I tried my first attempt at climbing this one shortly after.
About half way up, I got stuck and my grip and ankles were totally shot. Eventually, after giving a couple of different spots a few tries, I had to come down.
Of course, J got up to the top without much trouble at all.
Finally, after she came down, I gave it another shot. I got stuck in that same spot, but I started looking at other ways to get past it.
I moved over to the left side and eventually I made it to the top and touched that carabiner.
After I finished, I even got to repel down the wall. Fun times!
This was a great experience, and I can’t thank Erik enough for taking us. It made me appreciate rock climbing more to be able to do it outdoors, and it was just amazing to do it in front of such amazing scenery.
Whenever I come back to Vegas, I definitely would want to do this again. It was not only fun but it was also beautiful as well. This was a truly amazing experience that I’ll never forget!
Related Item:
Red Rock Canyon: A Climbing Guide
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