So It Rained in Red Rock
Wet sandstone should not be climbed on.
Its challenging to know when it's dry as temperature, amount of rain, and amount of sun can all impact how the rock dries out.
Sandstone is like a dry sponge, absorbing moisture, drying on the outside but still retaining water inside.
As it absorbs the water it dissolves the cementing agents keeping it together and can lose up to 75% of it strength when dry.
Questions to ask yourself to make an informed decision: -is the sand dry? It's the first thing to dry out since its loose and on the ground. (Wet sand? Look at this photo. Wet as hell) -how much did it rain? Was it cloudy or sunny when it stopped? -how sunny is the area I'm going to? -are the insides of cracks dry? -do I want to be the one ripping the key hold off a classic climb?
Why You Should Care: -It can be unsafe. Holds could break and cause very unexpected accidents. Trad gear may not hold, and can easily pull out of placements. -You have the potential to rip off holds and change classic climbs forever. -Just like hikers, it's our job to reduce our impact, leave no trace, and keep these areas for generations to come.
So yes. It sucks to come out here and have wet conditions, and it is not the job of anyone to be responsible but you.
Places to Climb:
The Gun Club- Sport Climbing
Limestone located just 15mins away from Red Rock. Easy approach.
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105887126/the-gun-club
Keyhole Canyon- Trad Climbing
Limestone, an 1hr. south.
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105941578/keyhole-canyon
Prison Gate- Bouldering
Granite about 1hr. south.
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/111515732/prison-sex-bouldering-area-aka-jean-boulders
New Jack City- Sport Climbing
Metamorphic Gneiss 3hrs away. All grades, free camping
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105865045/new-jack-city
Rainbow Canyon- Trad/Sport
Basalt 3hrs away, quiet out of the way awesome climbing.
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105849658/rainbow-canyon
East Side Boulders- Bouldering
Volcanic Tuft, little trafficked area but with a plethora of problems. Go for an adventure. Information in the new Southern Nevada Bouldering II book.
https://goo.gl/maps/FJYzVWeTeqD2
Joshua Tree
Urban and SUburban Crags
St. George and Mesquite
Things to do in Vegas:
Seven Magic Mountains- Art sculpture located in between Vegas and Primm- FREE
https://goo.gl/maps/z2ZovvQBLU92
102 Sky Lounge Bar at the Stratosphere- FREE
https://goo.gl/maps/PbGYZjbbDv32
Springs Preserve- don’t miss the Flash Flood, and on Sundays free guided tours of the gardens (with entry fee)- $20
https://goo.gl/maps/kiBkQUSdKm82
Petroglyph Hike-really mellow and super cool, dozens of petroglyphs-FREE
https://goo.gl/maps/2P8NmHW9FcM2
Ice Box Canyon Hike- about 3mi round trip, and after a rain you know the waterfall will be going- Loop Fees
Pinball Hall Fame- you could really spend the whole day here- .50-2.00 a game
https://goo.gl/maps/Xka6MQgFjzM2
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art- you might as well culture yourself a bit- $15
https://goo.gl/maps/7f6fz9Nz9jv
Gold Strike and Arizona Hot Springs- FREE
East Freemont and the Container Park- music on the lawn on some evenings- FREE
https://goo.gl/maps/fNyRUv7hEhE2
Aquarium at the Silverton and Bass Pro shops- mermaids swim in some of the tanks- FREE
https://goo.gl/maps/MdAaiWC8DE62
Ethyl M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden- mmmm free chocolate samples- FREE
Climbing Gyms
The Refuge: http://climbrefuge.com/
Red Rock Climbing Center: https://www.redrockclimbingcenter.com/
Origin Climbing and Fitness: https://originclimb.com/
Nevada Climbing Center: https://nvclimbing.com/