Rock Climbing in Las Vegas

While most go to Las Vegas for the entertainment and casinos, Las Vegas is also a destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Few cities are surrounded so decisively and immediately by nature and the Red Rock Canyon offers climbers a wonderland of possible ascents. Whether you're looking for indoor climbing, guided ascents, or just a quick bit of bouldering between more typical Vegas pastimes, these suggestions will help you get started.

Indoor:

Indoor climbing offers a lot of benefits. On hot days, or during the occasional rainy days, climbing addicts can still get out for a few hours of climbing. Indoor climbing gyms can get you out of the desert heat, help you to review or develop your skills before taking it outside, or they can provide a real climbing experience for families with young kids. Sin City doesn't offer a lot by way of indoor climbing - few cities have more than one or two climbing gyms - but there are a couple of options worth checking out.

Red Rock Climbing Center - http://www.redrockclimbingcenter.com/

With more than 8000 square feet of climbing walls and an additional 1000 square feet of roofs and overhangs, Red Rock Climbing Center has routes and activities appropriate to climbers of all levels. They offer private and group lessons, and are located a short ways outside of downtown. Yoga available, too.

Nevada Climbing Center - http://www.nevadaclimbingcenter.com/

Want to catch a quick indoor climb and still get back to the blackjack tables within the hour? The Nevada Climbing Center is the place to go. While less impressive than the red rock climbing center, is located right in Las Vegas proper. A perfect way to stay frosty in the days before or after the main event.

Outdoor:

For outdoor climbing in the Las Vegas area, there's really only one thing you need to know: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Operated and maintained by the US BLM (Bureau of Land Management), this publicly-owned tract of 197,000 acres is a true climber's paradise. Folks travel from around the world to visit this playground, and there are a number of ways to enjoy it. Admission is $20 for an annual pass, and $5 daily per passenger vehicle.

Solo climbers would do well to pick up the BLM brochure, "Red Rock Select" upon arrival at the conservation area. This climber's guide points out excellent areas for climbing, as well as orienting climbers to important rules and regs.

If you've never been climbing at Red Rock before, you might benefit from making your first trip into the canyon a guided one. There are a number of excellent regional guide outfits who can help you to get the most of your climb, as well as orient you to the area in case you want to return on your own. The first-hand knowledge of a licensed guide cannot be replicated, no matter how many great books you may choose to pick up.

Jackson Hole Mountain Guides - http://www.jhmg.com/

Mountain Skills, Rock Climbing Adventures - http://www.climbingschoolusa.com/

Both of these outfits frequent the area, and can accommodate groups, families, corporate outings, true beginners and expert-level, multi-pitch ascents. A guided climbing experience will run you between $200 and $400 per person, depending on the number of people in your party, the length of time you spend on the rock, and the technical demands of the ascent.

Shopping:

Even if you bring all of your own gear, you're bound to forget something, or just need a new toy. At Desert Rock Sports - http://desertrocksportslv.com/ - you can meet these needs, as well as discuss specific climbing locations with knowledgeable staff. They also rent bouldering pads - a bulky item to travel with.

Climbing may not be a pastime most would associate with Las Vegas, but for the real aficionado, no trip would be complete without a trip out to Red Rock Canyon. Hopefully this article will help you to get the most from the experience.