What Is the LVCLC?
The Las Vegas Climbers' Liaison Council (LVCLC) is dedicated to ensuring climbing access, encouraging stewardship of the environment, and cultivating a sense of community in a world-class climbing destination.
As Las Vegas continues to prosper and grow toward the boundary of public lands, Red Rock National Conservation Area in particular faces ever more threatening issues from encroaching development and increased land use. These issues have created a greater responsibility for every climber or outdoor enthusiast visiting Red Rock.
The Las Vegas climbing community joined together to provide a unified voice to the Bureau of Land Management and National Forest Service as they develop land management and climbing management plans for local areas. Our responsibility is threefold:
Stay aware, through direct communication with the BLM and NFS, of issues impacting climbing access and provide comment and assistance to land management agencies
Help protect and preserve local climbing areas through clean-ups, service projects, and creating awareness among the climbing community of the issues that could weaken the ability to climb in public lands
Develop a strong climbing code of ethics that is recognized and respected by all who climb in Red Rock
The LVCLC is supported and recognized by the Access Fund, the American Safe Climbing Association, the American Mountain Guides Association, and many other climbing organizations that give back to the climbing community through numerous efforts. All of these organizations have assisted in one way or another in helping to secure the future of climbing around Las Vegas.
The LVCLC is a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)), and we operate completely through the efforts and financial support of the climbing community and businesses who recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and climbing access. Funds raised go directly to supporting our mission. In an effort to maintain our operational budget, the LVCLC is operated by a completely volunteer board.
You can support the LVCLC through the contribution of your time, effort, expertise, or money. Please click the Membership link at left and you'll stay informed of all issues affecting climbers and outdoor enthusiasts who visit Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston. You'll also be invited to join us as we rebuild trails and clean up crags, becoming an active part of protecting climbing in Southern Nevada.
Northern Nevada: For all the amazing climbing in Southern Nevada, Northern Nevada is not devoid of good rock, although there aren’t any giant parks like in Southern Nevada that are just littered with crags and walls. However, for those who are persistent and willing to go exploring, there is a fair bit of established rock out there.
Red Rock Area:
Red Rock: Las Vegas is a rock climber's utopia--the sky is a rich shade of blue, the air is dry and it's a sure bet that the sun is shining. Red Rocks National Conservation Area, located just 20 miles from the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, is a 197,000 acre playground for those who climb, hike or simply love the great outdoors.
Red Rock Canyon NCA is one of the finest rock climbing areas in the world. Red Rock Canyon NCA is a specially managed area administered by the Las Vegas Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. This information is a reference to some of the most popular climbs and crags at Red Rock Canyon NCA. It is by far not intended to be a guide and should not be considered one.
If you have never climbed at Red Rock Canyon NCA and are unfamiliar with route locations, a climbing guide is available with photo's, route descriptions, and directions to provide you a brief idea of where to find established traditional and sport routes. There are also two additional guide books with extensive route information available in local climbing shops. For detailed information, please refer to any of the three guide books for Red Rock Canyon NCA:
Rock Climbing Red Rocks by Todd Swain,
The Red Rocks of Southern Nevada by Joanne Urioste,
A Climbers Guide To The Red Rocks of Nevada by Randy Faulk.
If you would like to contact any of the climbing staff at Red Rock Canyon NCA, please call (702) 515-5138 or 515-5042
Rock Type
The main type of rock found here is Aztec (or Navajo) sandstone, formed years ago through the natural cementing of ancient sand dunes. The rock at Calico's 1& 2, and Sandstone Quarry are the focus of sport climbing. The rock of the main escarpment possesses a greater cementing factor and is considered to be a good quality sandstone. The black or varnished rock is generally considered to be the hardest. Keep in mind however, at its best, it is still sandstone. Because of its friable (crumbly) nature it must be approached with a greater degree of caution than a more dependable rock such as granite. We suggest waiting 24 to 48 hours after major rains or snow to allow the rock to dry sufficiently for climbing.
Access
Many routes in Red Rock Canyon NCA require significant walking, hiking and scrambling to reach them. Keep this in mind when planning for your climbs, not only as a time constraint but also in terms of water. Red Rock Canyon NCA is located in the Mojave Desert, and even if it is not scorching hot, the air is still very dry. You should always bring a surplus of water to stay hydrated. The scenic drive, which provides access to much of Red Rock Canyon NCA, is open 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the winter and 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the summer. If you need access to the loop drive during hours of closure, to stay late, call (702) 515-5050. A three hour late pass can be issued, depending on the climbing route. Overnight passes can be given for grade V routes. This pass allows you overnight parking along the loop for the given number of days. If you leave your vehicle parked along the scenic loop without a permit, your vehicle will be cited and possibly towed at owners expense. Overnight camping is allowed at the developed campground 2 miles east of the visitor center on W. Charleston Blvd (Hwy 159). Camping along the base of the main escarpment or in any canyons is prohibited. Camping is also allowed on bivies on specified routes.
Elko Area:
Lamoille Canyon
Easy access and approach on paved, maintained road with glaciated granite formations. Top roping/rappelling and occasional hardware from earlier climbing pioneers. This climbing has all types of rock and slopes leaving the route selection to the individual and their skill level.
Distance from Elko: 25 miles (40.3 km)
Skill Level: All
Services: Limited services available in Lamoille (13 miles)
Map: #1 on map
Hamilton Bullion
Drive south on 5th Street through Elko. Turn west on Wilson Avenue and follow 1.3 miles to Hamilton State Road; turn south. Drive approximately 1.3 miles (1.2 km) on dirt road and take the right fork in Hamilton Stage Road. Trail begins in 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Distance from Elko: 1.3 miles (1.2 km)
Skill Level: All
Services: All services available in Elko
Map: #2 on map
Nevada Rock Climbing has everything you need to get out rock climbing in some of the best rock climbing states in the country. If you are wondering what equipment to bring what type of rock climbing shoes work the best the various types of gear needed number of ropes to have for specific climbing routes or the latest beta and school on new techniques to get you on that spectacular wall or extreme climbing route. Nevada has some of the greatest indoor climbing gyms and some of the coolest pictures of climbing walls routes and places to camp on your rock climbing vacation. Find rock climbing gyms where you can take lessons and learn how to climb safe and have a good time without getting hurt. Post your pic, pics, picture, or pictures, find rock climbing wallpaper, and learn about safety. Check out the new LAMOILLE CANYON ROCK CLIMBING GUIDEBOOK which is on sale now!!! Lamoille Canyon has some of the toughest rock climbing found in Nevada and by far the most beautiful scenery found.
The Pequops can be found only an hour east of Lamoille Canyon down Interstate 80. There you can find more climbing routes than you could possibly climb in a week. Routes there range from 5.8 to 5.13 and are extremely tall. All routes are bolted and some require as many as many as 14 draws. The rock is Limestone and the climbing experience is one you will never forget. The camping is primitive so bring plenty of water and pack your trash out when you leave. The Pequop climbs are also included in the Lamoille Canyon rock climbing guide book.
The Ruby Mountains located in northern Nevada are home to some breath taking scenery as well as some very steep and overhanging rock which makes it the perfect place to go rock climbing. There are many unexplored places there that are well suited to climbing and the potential for very difficult routes are great. Some of the rock walls tower over 800 feet tall just tempting you to pull out your gear and go exploring. The fact that Lamoille Canyon is out off the beaten path of rock climbers means that you can enjoy your day of rock climbing without the hassle of lots of people, waiting in line for a climb, or having to hurry because a climbing party is waiting for you to get off the climb. There are over 160 established lines in the canyon many of which are bolted with new routes going up on a regular basis. Over 40 new bolted routes in 2006! Several multi-pitched climbs can be found as well as some really serious ice climbing in the winter.
INDOOR
Nevada Rock Climbing Walls and Gyms
Map of Nevada Climbing Gyms.
Las Vegas
Nevada Climbing Centers
3065 E Patrick Ln. Suite 4
Las Vegas, Nevada 89120
(702) 898-8192
> 6,400 sq. ft. of fully contoured 30 foot high climbing walls with 14,000 linear feet of climbing. The walls include areas for leading, top roping, and bouldering.
Red Rock Climbing Center
8201 W. Charleston Blvd, Suite 150
Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
(702) 254-5604
> 8,000 sq. feet of climbing walls with top roping, leading, and bouldering. Climbing walls up to 35' tall with huge roof climbing terrain and three separate bouldering areas
RenoRock Sport Climbing Center
1901 Silverado Blvd. #10.
Reno, Nevada 89512
(775) 352-ROPE (7673)
> "6500 sq. feet of indoor climbing walls with top roping, lead climbing, and bouldering. Climbing walls up to 35' tall. Brand new bouldering cave in the front room adds another 500+ sq. feet!"
Nevada Tourism