Moving near Kanab--advice?

I just got a job near Kanab and am looking for some advice. It's a sweet schedule--8 days on for 24/7, than 6 full days off--so I'm probably going to be living out of my car and spending those 6 days climbing, hiking, anything... What's the best climbing near Kanab? Sport? Trad? Bouldering? Is it easy to find climbing partners? I don't know anyone in the area, so I'm probably just going to head out and hope to find a group to join... do you think that's likely? Are there some areas where that might be more likely than others? Also, I've done a lot more sport climbing than trad, and don't feel 100% comfortable leading trad... Do you think I would still be able to find people to climb with/randomly stumble upon groups that I could join? Since I have 6 full days off, driving a ways isn't too much of an issue, so any recommendations, even if the areas are a bit far from Kanab are good! Also--as a young girl living alone out of a car, any places near Kanab to avoid?

Thanks

Working for a wilderness therapy outfit? You'll be able to find all the partners you want there. Lots of options in all disciplines at all levels within a few hours drive. Kanab is relatively safe, but has all the joys of rural living, i.e. meth and the associated issues. Good luck, stay alert, remember those kids are trying to manipulate you.

Tico wrote:remember those kids are trying to manipulate you.

Most of them. And some of them are very good at it too. When I did that work, up by Capitol Reef (for AYA), I didn't have any problem finding partners for anything among my coworkers...trad, sport, walls, alpine, ice, whitewater, mtn biking. It's a great group of like minded outdoors people. But after being in the field for 8 days, I also was more interested in a hot shower, soft bed, and good food. After coming out of the field, it's sometimes hard to motivate for more sleeping in the dirt, chapped lips, and bad food, especially during the less than ideal weather seasons or when you've had a runner and been up for a couple days straight.

Did my first desert tower, first Indian Creek routes, first trip up the Grand Teton, first slickrock riding, first canyoneering, and first fly fishing with people from that job.

Burnout comes quickly, staff turnover is extremely high. It can be weirdly competitive and have quirky high-school like cliques among the employees. But it was easily the most rewarding (and worst paying) job I've had. Have fun, SoUtah is a beautiful and inspiring place.

There is a practice wall driving north out of town that has some Sport and Trad routes. (Look for it on the right hand side.) I think it is right after the Cavern entrance?

Boulders- Moes is about an hour away.

Zion in only 90 minutes away. All the St. George crags another 30 minutes and Red Rocks 2 hours from that.