Driving From Nashville to San Diego, Have time for one day of climbing enroute...

So I am driving across the country with my friend who only recently had his first climbing experience, and I can't decide which of the many great spots enroute we should climb at. I am most interested in multi pitch trad routes right now and I still havent managed to get to Red Rocks in my life so that would be the most obvious choice. However my friend who has basically never climbed in his life I feel its going to be a bit over his head ( although im sure he would just courageously stick it out, and I could give him a crash course in lead belay) So I've been considering going to Hueco tanks instead, Although I know very very little about the area, and I have never actually bouldered outside in my life. I dont think I will ever been in the el paso area again though so I was just hoping to get some opinions of what ya'll would do. I am also open to any other suggestions as well, I hear there is good climbing in Arizona.

You'll be along I-40 que no? Stop at Paradise Forks just outside Flagstaff for some single pitch trad. Your friend might be less overwhelmed and you'll still get in some quality climbing.

Yeah, he'll pick it up in no time! Lotta great beginner lines at the Forks.

There are some pretty good, and easy, 2-3 pitch lines on the Front Side at Hueco.

If your friend has very little experience then you may want to consider what they can handle as well as what '[you] are most interested in right now', or run the risk of neither of you having much fun. The joy of leading the glory pitch tends to fade pretty quick when your friend is hanging off your waist, yelling that they can't get the pro out, it's getting dark and cold...

Oh yeah definitely feel that dark and cold, trying to decide whats more worth it, rescuing all your pieces from Dr, Inept... or getting home sometime today. Will definitely look into this Forks destination. Thanks!~

It's one of our local crags so feel free to ask any questions. It's really, really good.

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this photo looks ultra inviting, maybe some free soloing oppurtunities? I mean what is the full story here I am super interested. Also I am still struggling ( sometimes destroying, sometimes getting destroyed) by the 5.9 trad grade and I know stiff 5.9's are well above my friends climbing ability, and it seems that 5.9's and below are few and far between here. Sooo yeah

Ain't that picture sweet???? Yeah, the Forks can shut you down for sure but if you are able to get over it, you can set topropes on some amazing lines. The ratings are stiff, no doubt about it but they are so worth it. If you get bruised, you can head back east and become a 5.12 climber (sport) at Jack's. ;)

If you wanted an easy alpine experience you could stop in at the Sandias here in Albuquerque, NM and climb a route called second coming. It's an easy route to take a beginner on and a great experience. It's 4 pitches but the headwall offers 4 routes to choose from that you can also top rope. Plus the parking place is only a half hour off I-40.

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