Red Rock Rendezvous / by Alasdair Turner

Every year for the last four I have come down to Las Vegas for an extended period of time to hide from the Pacific Northwests spring weather and climb as much as possible. One of my excuses for the trip is the Red Rock Rendezvous. This climbing festival, mostly geared for beginners is the largest climbing festival in the country and usually makes for three best days of work every year. This year was no exception. Friday is the beginners day and for me is the best day of the festival. We teach the clinics which may be the cheapest and best way for a true beginning climber to get a day out with a professional guide. The next two days are stacked full of additional clinics with professional athletes from the climbing world. In my opinion if you come to this festival skip the climbing technique clinics and sign up for the technical skills clinics. The self rescue and rock rescue clinics involve skills that every climber needs to know but many don't learn until way too late. Of course the New Belgium beer truck that pours free beer all weekend certainly helps increase my love of the festival. Here are a few photos from the friday uclimb clinic.




These photos are from one of the outdoor clinics the following day that I helped rig the ropes for.







The festival is organized by Mountain Gear. If you are interested in the Red Rock Rendezvous for next year there is more info here.

I have a bunch more photos from this day, but sorting though them and posting them will require another rest day. Lets hope that does not come too soon.