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Places to climb on trip from Colorado to Pennsylvania.

Original Post
Christian Mason · · Westminster CO · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 161

Hey all,

Next weekend my finance and I are driving from Denver back to Pittsburgh for our wedding. The vast majority of the drive is just heading east for 1400 or so miles (typically on I-70).

We'd been planning on stopping at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch for some bolt clipping to break up the drive. We'll have our dog in tow though, which rules this area out.

Can anyone recommend areas to check out along the drive? Going a few hours out of our way is no problem, going more than a few is OK if the destination is good too :-)

Sport, Trad and Bouldering are all OK.
Thanks!

marty funkhouser · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 20

Take the I-70 route and hit up RRG. Quick stop along the way in Ferguson, MO for some 'Doorbuster' sales (too soon?)

Ed Wright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2006 · Points: 285

As you go through Illinois you could divert north to Devil's Lake in Wisconsin or south to Jackson Falls. Either place is well worth the side trip.

ErikaNW · · Golden, CO · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 410

No climbing suggestions but just wanted to wish the two of you congratulations! Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your big day!

Mark R · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 65

I've driven MD -> CO and CO -> MD many times and I've avoided Indy/Columbus and had an easier (or maybe just more enjoyable because it was new?) drive going a tiny bit south.

Come east on 70 like normal but head down 64 coming out of St. Louis instead of staying on 70. It's a little more scenic and I've had good luck with traffic, fewer construction projects, etc... You can go to the NRG (new AAC campground looks cool and affordable!) then head almost straight up to Pittsburgh.

Rigggs24 · · Denver, CO · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 45

I would second Jackson Falls. Its not too far from the highway and its fun sport climbing in a pretty cool area. If you were willing to depart from I 70 as much as HCR, then I would recommend going to an even better place...Red River Gorge in Kentucky. And could even hit up New River Gorge in West Virginia before heading north to PA.

If you happen to be taking the southern route on I 40, there is actually some pretty good climbing in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma and there are other worthy crags in Arkansas such as Sams throne and Mt Magazine State Park that I think dogs would be allowed at...although not sure about that.

Christian Mason · · Westminster CO · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 161

I probably should have been more specific. We're originally from the East Coast and I learned to climb at the NRG, RRG and Seneca Rocks. All fantastic places. We might even hit up some of them after the wedding :-)

We're hoping to check out someplace new though, hopefully in the MidWest.

Bradley Kessler · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 46

Another recommend for Jackson Falls, one the my favorite places to climb and it's the perfect time of year.

tdavis19 · · Lakewood, CO · Joined Nov 2008 · Points: 5

Take 40 and climb in North Carolina pick any place in the state this time of year. I would recomend Rumbing Bald south of Asheville or Linville Gorge, Misty Mountains back yard. Moore's wall further east in Caroloina is also nice this time of year.

Stagg54 Taggart · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2006 · Points: 10
Christian Mason wrote:Hey all, Next weekend my finance and I are driving from Denver back to Pittsburgh for our wedding. The vast majority of the drive is just heading east for 1400 or so miles (typically on I-70). We'd been planning on stopping at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch for some bolt clipping to break up the drive. We'll have our dog in tow though, which rules this area out. Can anyone recommend areas to check out along the drive? Going a few hours out of our way is no problem, going more than a few is OK if the destination is good too :-) Sport, Trad and Bouldering are all OK. Thanks!
You and Rayna finally tying the knot - congratulations.

Maybe checkout the Needles on the way - I've always wanted to head there.

You might talk to Tom Brooks. He and Valerie just made the opposite drive and stopped a bunch of places.

Devils Lake or something in Wisconsin maybe?
Patrick Heddins · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 105

Can't miss Jackson Falls.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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