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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Big Rock? Are you phuckin’ kidding?
I've seen Jerry Moffatt and Ben Moon climbing at Big Rock. Ever do English Hanging Garden? Hardly a noob route. The flakes and the roof are fun climbs for weekend climbers.
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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If you come in late March Joshua Tree can be well worth the visit. The desert begins to bloom. April is the best.
If you have a limited time, like a week or less, Red Rocks offers so much great climbing that there is no reason to go anywhere else.
Joshua Tree can also be rather crowded and find camp sites can be near impossible on weekends unless you have worked something out in advance. There are many people on this forum that can help though.
Have a great trip and enjoy your escape from winter.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Yeah? So I’ve seen Willi Unsoeld at Schurman Rock in Seattle.
It ain’t the W Ridge of Everest just like Big Rock ain’t Gogarth.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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I do, however, still climb quite a bit
That is a modest understatement and made me laugh out loud.
edit:D2R2, I stated up thread that I do not consider Rubidoux or Big Rock destinations but good places to kill a few hours. I don't want to get in a pissing contest but your attitude is plainly negative while you offer no alternatives.
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David C
Trad climber
UK
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 3, 2017 - 03:33pm PT
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Thanks agin everyone for your suggestions
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Don't bother with LA, no climbing here according to R2DNegitve ;)
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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David C- If you are going to stay (camping) in JT, I'd recommend getting reservations at Indian Cove. It is at a lower elevation and closer to amenities. Hidden Valley is good, as is Jumbo Rock. They are in the high desert and will be cooler. Cottonwod Springs is pretty far from any decent climbing but is okay if you are looking for a quick stop off the I10; the rock there is crumbly choss and not worth bothering with. On the south side of the I10 near the cottonwood springs exit there is somme good camping/climbing on BLM land, but I've lost my info/memory.
If this is your first trip to the the western US, you will find the scenery quite interesting. I had a few ex-pat Brits that I worked with and they found the desert quite a trip.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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gas is cheap (thanks, Trump!), come to Minnesota to get your climbing fix
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skywalker1
Trad climber
co
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Just to add another piece to the puzzle, avoid the last week of March in RR. Its spring break and I believe Red Rocks Rendezvous time which in combination can create quite the congestion at crags. Long multi pitch not so much.
S...
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Oy- and there's that^^^.
What is your date range for the trip?
If you are traveling the last weekend in March you should get your reservations for wherever you are staying in advance. Red Rock Rendevous brings in a lot of extra climbers. That last weekend in March also overlaps Easter week/spring break this year- which is a popular vacation week for Americans.
With the price difference and multiple people it does sound like a pretty significant savings$ flying into LA. You will loose a 1/2- a full day driving to whichever location you decide to go to first though.
P.S. after giving it some thought... Just listen to Donini- he's they only person on this site who actually climbs.
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Red Rock Rendezvous is the worst time to go, overcrowded, parking sucks, NOOBS everwhere forget about it. Trash left behind.
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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That last weekend in March also overlaps Easter week/spring break this year- Easter week can be pretty crowded in Joshua Tree, also.
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Jim Clipper
climber
from: forests to tree farms
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Google Arizona hot springs. It is a short hike from the highway, a few miles past Hoover Dam. Gold Strike hot springs was decent, but Arizona had nicer pools, (the few times I've been). It makes a nice rest day if you aren't up for 14 days of climbing.
Mt. Charleston is quite pretty too. Some sport climbing, but I've never been. There may be snow in the spring.
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Jim Clipper
climber
from: forests to tree farms
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Really? I thought New Jack City was a good recommendation, but they forgot to mention shooting guns, and hallucinogens. Then again, maybe that goes without saying.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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D2R2, I agree Tahquitz and Suicide are excellent desinations and Idyllwild is a wonderful town. Make reservations well in advance whether camping or hoteling. However March weather may be iffy due to the elevation. If the forecast is for good temperatures, by all means they should go.
The OP hasn't really told us what grade their group climbs or whether they are coming out as tourists or climbers. He asked about climbing but hasn't said if they have other goals as well (sightseeing wise). Nor do we know how long their group intends to be out here. The Brits I've known tend to come out for 2-3 weeks or so. Do they want roadside cragging or willing to make fairly long approaches? Are all the members strong climbers or weekend warriors.
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David C
Trad climber
UK
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 10, 2017 - 07:15am PT
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Hi JohnTP,
We are old and weak, so easier grades, 5.6 to 5.11.
Bolts are not our thing, and for us Spain is a $30 flight away, so the States is all about trad.
We have lots of world class single pitch at home, but not much in the way of long routes, so long is good.
We are happy about any length of approach.
We would like the places to be scenic if possible.
We would like to climb almost every day, except when travelling.
We will only be in the USA for two weeks - even us Euros have to work sometimes.
All the best, D
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BigB
Trad climber
Red Rock
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Nov 10, 2017 - 08:01am PT
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What about Salt Lake Airport? Its only 6hr drive and you could stop and see Zion. Just a thought...
If you do fly straight into Vegas, don't worry about rain....there's PLENTY to do aside from RR, climbing wise we have good limestone sport, and single pitch granite all within about an hr from city center. Jtree is only 3ish hrs away and Zion less than 3 the other way, and the other other way is the Grand Cyn/Sedona in 4.
And of course you have Las Vegas!
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Nov 10, 2017 - 11:09am PT
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+1 for sticking to JT and RR in March. If multipitch is your game, then RR. Fly direct don't waste time on a hwy.
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skywalker1
Trad climber
co
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Nov 10, 2017 - 12:44pm PT
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^^^^^^If you go to Zion check the raptor closings. Its also still a little shady due to the sun angle and tight canyon. But pretty dang spectacular.
S....
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Brian in SLC
Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Nov 10, 2017 - 01:16pm PT
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If LAX is that much cheaper, there's plenty of diversions nearby to pass the time whilst you wait for the traffic to be reasonable. Google, "adult entertainment LAX". Ha ha.
You could hit a beach (in either direction).
Conquer the mighty J Paul Pebble then hit the Getty Villa.
Not that far a drive to Compton on surface streets. That can be pretty interesting. Cultural. Get some soul food at Dirty South on Crenshaw.
Plenty of fun pubs nearby to chill at.
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