Year-long Road Trip Itinerary

With winter weather so variable plus you like sport, definitely keep Potrero as an option for Dec, Jan, or Feb. I drove my own truck there with a male friend (felt safer). No problems. Did have to buy a short term insurance policy for Mexico, not expensive. Great fun sport climbing. I was only there for two weeks and wish I had a month.

Your trip sounds like it will be amazing.

kipp.fo wrote: Does anyone have updated information on Squamish camping? SO many said that I should extend my stay there and stay AT LEAST 3 weeks and ideally more, but upon researching online it seems like the Chief campground is by far the place to stay yet I believe it's $10/night/person. Is this correct/the best option? Have fellow van-dwellers found a good place to park and camp for an extended period?

I was in Squamish about a month ago, and there were a bunch of people (free) camping in the Cheakamus canyon area.

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion wrote:

Thanks for the comment, appreciate it. I've made a complete map using mapping software online but will get a big printed one too! That's a great idea.

Trip starts out where it does because I live in Los Angeles and the logical first step was moving north. As May likely will be too early for High Sierra maybe Needles and Yos/then over the pass when it opens and do High Sierra then? Also, the small cabin in Mammoth is a good basecamp, probably why I included such a long leg there.

I just did Red Dihedral-phenomenal!!! I drooled over PV with the commitment that I'll train to get strong enough for that for next summer-during this trip we've been discussing! That climb is my everyday motivation for training-absolutely can't stop thinking about it.

Cheers!

kipp.fo wrote: Thanks for the comment, appreciate it. I've made a complete map using mapping software online but will get a big printed one too! That's a great idea. Trip starts out where it does because I live in Los Angeles and the logical first step was moving north. As May likely will be too early for High Sierra maybe Needles and Yos/then over the pass when it opens and do High Sierra then? Also, the small cabin in Mammoth is a good basecamp, probably why I included such a long leg there. I just did Red Dihedral-phenomenal!!! I drooled over PV with the commitment that I'll train to get strong enough for that for next summer-during this trip we've been discussing! That climb is my everyday motivation for training-absolutely can't stop thinking about it. Cheers!

My brain said "Sun Spot" and my fingers typed Red.

Have a fun trip.

Is your van capable of getting deep on the White Rim trail? In other words, is it AWD with better than average tires? There might be one 30ft section it still wouldn't do between the entrance and Washer Woman. It'll get you to Moses no problem though.

I like the Needles and Yos. I thought the Needles was close to the best place I've ever climbed. You should go there.

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion wrote:Is your van capable of getting deep on the White Rim trail? In other words, is it AWD with better than average tires? There might be one 30ft section it still wouldn't do between the entrance and Washer Woman. It'll get you to Moses no problem though.

Keep in mind that day-use permits are now required for the White Rim 4x4 trail:
nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/…

High clearance is more important than 4x4 on the White Rim (although this year the west side - Murphy's Hogback to Mineral Bottom - is in very rough shape with 4x4 definitely required according to my sources. I don't know about the stretch getting from Mineral Bottom to Taylor Canyon (Moses and Zeus)).

Between Tennessee and Arizona.

#1 consider a stop at Hueco Tanks (you'll need reservations or a guide). Totally worth the trouble, and you'll be there at prime season so expect it to be crowded. I understand you don't boulder... but they have a few great gear routes, and some very memorable sport climbing. Sea of Holes is awesome! Plus just a cool spot to hike around and play turon you might even catch a free show by the likes of Kehl, Ashima, or other high end climbers that frequent the area that time of year.

#2, also consider visiting Last Chance Canyon and the Tunnel. Last Chance has great free camping, decent in the winter with some of the better 5.12's in the state. The Tunnel's sunny side is best visited when it 40 or below. Beware their warm ups are hard 10's & 11's with lots of slopers. Sitting Bull Falls is great too, but it's an ice box that time of year. It's not much out of your way, and