Rock Climb in Red Rock Canyon with the American Alpine Institute
Scenic Red Rock Canyon
Rising just a short drive beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas is one of the most spectacular rock climbing
destinations in North America. With its 2000-foot sandstone formations, deep and winding canyons, and exotic flora and
fauna, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area encompasses all the beauty of a desert wilderness while the quality
of rock climbing is unsurpassed. Red Rock has something for everyone. Climbs that feel as if they were built for
beginners abound, while routes for those with more experience tower above the desert floor.
Though summer temperatures often soar well into the triple digits, fall, winter, and spring in Red Rock are mild seasons.
Rain and snow are rare, and as a result, the good climbing conditions in Southern Nevada are quite dependable.
Even for aspiring alpinists, the desert sandstone is particularly engaging and useful. There are perhaps more
moderate multi-pitch routes in Red Rock Canyon than anywhere else in North America. Many of these routes provide
challenges that are similar to those found in high alpine rock environments, though without the commitment required for
such endeavors. Where else can you go and climb a fourteen pitch 5.6 and then enjoy a classic buffet in an urban
setting (in this case Las Vegas) to celebrate your ascent? Wilderness camping and splashy nightlife are within equally
easy reach of this great rock climbing area.
A climber leads up under a giant chockstone on the climb Frogland, a seven-pitch 5.8 route that is commonly
guided on intermediate courses
Many climbers take advantage of inexpensive fares into Las Vegas to fly here for a few days or a week of climbing.
But our climbing courses in Red Rock Canyon are also set up to accommodate those who are visiting the city of Las Vegas
for either business or pleasure. If you are staying at a hotel on the world famous Las Vegas Strip or anywhere within
the city of Las Vegas, we will provide transportation to and from Red Rock Canyon. Half-day courses (morning or
afternoon), full day courses, and multi-day courses are all available from October through the end of April.
Course Options
Group Size
Half Day
Full Day
Two Day
Multi-day
1
$295
$295
$560
$295/day
2
$155
$205
$350
$205/day
*3+
$105
$170
$300
$170/day
*Larger group sizes are available by arrangement
Equipment rental packages are available for $10 per trip.
Prices are per person.
A climber with AAI guides Jay Hack and Jason Martin at a bivy ledge on Resolution Arete, a Grade V
route that is occasionally climbed on Advanced or Masters Level Rock Courses in Red Rock Canyon.
Several of AAI's guides at Red Rock get to be called local because they have lived in the area so long. They have a
great deal of experience in the Nevada desert and can take climbers to secluded areas which are known only to the
locals. High quality, alternative routes from two to six pitches in length exist next to extremely popular climbs
throughout the park. Most visitors are completely unaware of these hidden gems and American Alpine Institute instructors
can guide you on these high quality routes without the traffic that some of the better known routes can have.
A climber follows the first pitch of Tuna and Chips, a two-pitch 5.7 route frequently guided on half-day
courses.
Commonly Guided Routes and Climbing Options
This is just sampling of some of the best multi-pitch routes that we climb during our courses.
In addition, there are many single-pitch and top-rope routes of excellent quality that we use for instruction and
practice.
Route
Rating
# of Pitches
Rising Moons
5.6
3
Solar Slab
5.6
14
Cat in the Hat
5.6+
6
Tunnel Vision
5.7
7
Group Therapy
5.7
7
Olive Oil
5.7
5
Frogland
5.8
7
Lotta Balls
5.8
4
Black Magic
5.8
4
Sun Dog
5.9
9
Johnny Vegas
5.9
5
Crimson Chrysalis
5.9
9
Epinephrine
5.9
20
Dream of Wild Turkeys
5.10-
9
Black Orpheus
5.10-
10
Prince of Darkness
5.10c
6
Resolution Arete
5.9, A1
20
A climber rappels on Cat in the Hat, a classic four pitch 5.6+ commonly climbed on beginner and intermediate
courses.
Red Rock Canyon is perhaps America's best destination for winter rock climbing. The high quality rock, the high quantity of routes, the
ease of access, and the area's proximity to the city of Las Vegas all combine to make this one of the best winter
climbing destinations in America.
A climber leading Lotta Balls, a 5.8 route often guided on intermediate courses.
Our guides and climbers are getting out almost everyday and enjoying fantastic fall conditions in the desert. The
sun has been shining and the temperatues have been perfect for climbing. Take some time this winter to soak up some
desert sun and enjoy a weekend in Vegas. If you have been to Red Rock or would prefer to climb in California, don't
forget about Joshua Tree!
Special Reports
Photos and first-hand stories describing the details of rewarding climbs and expeditions.
