G'day,

I'm an aussie climber looking for some input regarding planning a climbing trip to (Canada,USA, Mexico). I am currently just pushing into 5.9 Trad leading and can climb up to 5.11a Sport. I love sport climbing but also really enjoy multi-pitch trad adventures.

My girlfriend and I are planning to travel around Canada, USA next year for somewhere between 2-6 months. I'm looking for help planning some sort of basic itinerary.

Here is just a few places that I have thought about:

Squamish, BC - Canada. Really want to climb here, great crack climbing. July/Aug

Canmore , AB - Canada. Lots of great sport climbing. July/Aug

Lake Tahoe area, CA. Lots of options here, less people than yosemite, climbing better suited to my grade.

Red rocks, NV - Bit of everything, Early or late in the season to escape heat.

Joshua Tree, Ca - Havent read much about it but sounds popular.

Ten sleep, Wy - Great sport climbing.

Moab, Utah - Looks like a cool place.

El Potrero Chico, Mexico - Heaps of sport routes, cheap food and accom.

Yosemite, Ca - All seems too busy, serious by all accounts. I have been here but not climbed. Would love to climb snake dike on half dome though.


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If I only get 2 months, then I'm pretty sure I will just concentrate on Canada and maybe venture down in the USA for a bit.

If I did get a heap more time and checked out all the places in my list, would that be the best selection of places to visit? Remember this is not just completely a climbing trip, I do want to experience some other cool stuff.

I have travelled around the USA and Canada before, but my girlfriend hasn't.


Cheers

Jason

Just returned from Tahoe (Lover's Leap) .. TONS of great multi-pitch (3 & 4 pitch) moderates.... way chill - camping right there... Yosemite should probably be seen - but logistically it can be challenging for a moderate trad climber.

Spend time in southern utah - place is amazing. try to hook up with someone on this site in the fall for an Indian Creek visit. Red Rock - big thumbs up !!!

We ran into 3 older (late 60's) assuie's at Lover's Leap .. cool to talk to the old guard!

I suggest including City of Rocks, on the way south, way mellow - lots of moderate trad , harder sport. Stunning scenery.

J-tree is a must. SOOOO many routes, so much cool history.

Jason,

Time of the year should be a major factor in where you climb. For example, Joshua Tree and Red Rock are too hot in the summer. Yosemite Valley can be sweltering during the summer, but north-facing climbs and early morning starts are your friend.

You have already listed some majorly great climbing areas- enough to keep you busy for a long time. I'm sure you will get the "don't miss climbing here or there" suggestions and it can be overwhelming.

Have fun.

The east coast has plenty of destinations as well, with fantastic sport and bouldering from NY down to Alabama.