Red Rock and the impending government shutdown

If there is a shutdown as seems likely, I'm certain the loop road will be closed, but what about areas such as Black Velvet, First Creek, the old Oak Creek approach, etc. Anyone have any experience accessing those non-loop road areas during the last shutdown? Thanks in advance.

John Wilder wrote:they will be accessible. you can also access the first three pullout from calico. oak Creek from the road as well. only white rock, willow,Juniper, Ice box, and pine Creek will really be closed with no easy access. if this occurs, though, expect all off loop areas to be especially crowded- its been busy in the fall in general with the loop road open- now everyone will be compressed into other areas. the trade routes will be junk shows for sure.

The hike from Kraft to white rock could be fun!!

Tick, tock, tick, tock...should be interesting to see what happens.

We've been told to expect an update by tomorrow, Tuesday, from the BLM as to what areas will be closed or remain open and any access issues in the event of the government shutdown. The update will be here on MP and we will re-post it on the LVCLC FB page.

I bet Mt. Wilson routes won't be that busy, and they have decent access from the main road (Rte 159).

Any beta on how to get to the first pull out and second pull out climbs from Oak Creek or the other open areas? My first trip to Red Rocks is scheduled for Friday. I'm super bummed as I've wanted to climb here for the past 10 years.

We're looking for sport routes between the .7 to .10 range. (please don't hate on me because I like sport).

I called the Red Rocks recreation office today and the woman there told me access to all of the climbing areas would all be closed. The comments on this thread are giving me hope.

You can access them from Calico Basin; I'm sure the locals can give you better beta. I'd suggest keeping your intentions on the DL though, they try to keep everyone out of the parks during shutdowns.

Greetings Red Rock Canyon Climbers/Visitors,

Your visit to Red Rock may be affected by the current Government Shutdown. Our latest Red Rock/Sloan Field Office staff meeting indicated the following areas will be closed to the general public and permitted operations:

13 Mile Scenic Byway
Campground (vacated within 48 hours)
Red Springs Picnic Area
159 Overlook

However, you may visit other areas of Red Rock Canyon NCA that have not been closed. This includes locations such as Black Velvet Canyon, First Creek via 159, Old Oak Creek via 159, Kraft Mountain, etc.

Most of the Red Rock / Sloan Field Office will be furloughed before noon today. Exceptions to the furlough include law enforcement officers (LEOs).

Below is a link to the Government Shutdown contingency plan for the BLM. doi.gov/shutdown/fy2014/upl…

Thank you for the information. It's my understanding that law enforcement may be driving the 13 mile loop. Is that correct?

Yes, LEOs will be working in all of the closed areas.

Does this mean that legally one could not park at Oak Creek/Mt. Wilson lot and hike to say Juniper Canyon?

Access to Juniper Canyon (or any other canyon/crag) from open parking areas (i.e. Old Oak Creek) is legal provided you remain off all closed sites.

BLM Red Rock, when you say Old Oak Creek, it this the pulloff that is about 1.4 miles from the scenic loop exit?

Also, is there any chance of the open areas being closed or will they definitely be open? I should be there for the weekend. Thanks for the help!

We parked at the loop exit, which was not the problem, but when we got back to the car from juniper we were Encountered by the ranger camped at the gate there. According to him, going anywhere north of first creek is illegal and can come with a 325 dollar ticket. All this no matter if you stay off closed roads. He also said that sar was not on duty but when we drove off to calico basin, SAR was doing some training.

Yeah guys I told him I read something posted by a BLM representative which got me the response, "that is a nobody."

And he was aware that SAR is metro but that didn't seem to matter either. This was one of his arguments for why we weren't allowed to climb in Juniper (but could in First Creek?). He was real interested to know "how many are in there."

Anyway, probably just park at Oak Creek Pullout (1/2 a mile from the loop exit) if you want to climb in Juniper etc. to avoid any sort of silly confrontation. We met other parties who did this. At the regular Oak Creek parking accessed by the loop, there is a trail that leads from here and splits to the left for the loop exit parking or the right for the Oak Creek 159 pullout.

There were plenty of climbers out and about today. Although I certainly stayed in open areas, it seems the adventurous spirit has gotten into some people as they hiked on past into riskier areas. Stay safe everyone!

We hiked into sandstone quarry yesterday and didn't see anyone else. It was a bit of a hike for sport climbing but perhaps worth it to have what felt like the entire park to ourselves.

I feel like given previous info from the BLM and the fact that we didn't find any 'area closure' notices at our access trailhead we would have had a good argument to get out of a ticket.

These ladies got ticketed, but they ducked the gate, passing an 'Area Closed' Sign. That seems different than walking into the Canyons where there is no demarkation of the closures.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/fine-day-hike-leads-blm-fines-red-rock

I am looking for more info on the canyon closures now.

Hey all,
I am heading to Red Rocks for the first time ever this weekend. Just flying in for the weekend FRiday to Sunday night. Given the closures and all fo that how much time should I budget for the approach (from Las Vegas). If I want to head to the black velvet canyon and the other popular areas, am I looking at over 2 hours with driving and hiking?

Thanks,