With just a week off and a northeastern winter’s worth of longing for warm weather, we stuffed a mattress and a Renogy Phoenix Generator into our sedan and hit the road for a 36 hour straight shot from New Jersey to Nevada. Keen on savoring the sweeter flavors of the desert’s low hanging fruit, our sights were set on fun climbing and canyoneering in some of the world’s most spectacular settings.
First Stop: Red Rocks, NV where we tested our climbing efficiency on the 11 pitches of Solar Slab, the longest route we’d ever climbed. Our chimney climbing skills were also tested on the on the strikingly, despite its namesake, photogenic Plumber’s Crack.
Zion National Park should be on the top of everyone’s list of places to visit. It’s really hard to think of a more spectacular environment. The Narrows and Angel’s Landing offer some of the most scenic hiking experiences of any national park. For those with technical experience looking to beat the crowds, Zion is truly an exceptional playground.
Pine Creek Canyon’s easy access, freezing water, and long rappels make for a great desert adventure. (Photo by Ramon Dompor)
“Led By Sheep” up Aries Butte on the east side of Zion may be one of my favorite routes of all time. It was a fun and easy climb to an island in the sky with just enough danger to keep it a tad spicy. Breathtaking panoramic views all the way up a desert dome that just scream “climb me!” What more could you want?
If you’re into outdoor sports, Moab is THE legendary desert town. Situated between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks with Bears Ears to the south, the potential for fun out here is just limitless.
“Led By Sheep” up Aries Butte on the east side of Zion may be one of my favorite routes of all time. It was a fun and easy climb to an island in the sky with just enough danger to keep it a tad spicy. Breathtaking panoramic views all the way up a desert dome that just scream “climb me!” What more could you want?
If you’re into outdoor sports, Moab is THE legendary desert town. Situated between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks with Bears Ears to the south, the potential for fun out here is just limitless.
The West Fins route is a pleasant, light canyoneering route through Arches National Park that offers a fun way to beat the crowds and get intimate with the alien landscape of the park.
Indian Creek is crack climbing mecca. In addition to an endless supply of climbable cliffside and two desert towers, the Six Shooters stand proud at The Creek. We ended up getting our rope stuck on South Six Shooter without a knife and getting back to our car past midnight only to have to get up at the crack of dawn to climb the whole thing again to cut our rope out. What a night!
The Looking Glass, a local classic! Dodge rattlesnakes up an easy climb to access one of the most spectacular rappels around.
There’s only so much you can do in a week, and the desert always leaves me eager to return. I’m psyched to learn that my little sedan proved to be such a viable road tripper. Folding down the seats and sleeping with our feet in the trunk allows us to crash wherever we want to, while our Phoenix Generator kept our cell phones, cameras, and laptops happy. What more do you really need? Till next time!
