Idaho Mountain Festival

Thinking about going this year. What's the vibe like at this? I'd probably want to spend most of my time climbing; how many people show up to this thing and how crowded do all the crags get?

The Idaho Mountain Festival is definitely worth checking out. Last year was a successful party, especially being its first year. We had around 200 people. Luckily the festival headquarters and most of the party happens inside Castle Rocks State Park, including the Tent City. It didn't feel crowded at all, even with the regular weekend traffic that both the City of Rocks and Castle Rocks get. For $45, you get free camping, free breakfasts and dinners, a chance to learn awesome tips and tricks from some pros (paul robinson, rob pizem, jonathan siegrist, and beau stuart), fun evening entertainment, and a load of chances to win cool gear. I highly recommend it.

Two Words
Total blast.
Would I recommend it? YOU BET!!
I found the environment to be very family friendly. Slack lines, food, rock star's, good friends, and rock waiting to be climbed. My kids picked up trash and played in the creek. I got to climb quite a few new routes. I don't think I will try for the "City Slicker" prize this coming year.
The organizers really did a great job. Keep it up!

Can we still regester online or is it pay at the Park now?
Kevin

Coffee and Cornflakes is not a great climb anyway. But after watching this, I'm not sure I'll climb it again.
youtube.com/watch?v=VvLFTkj…

kevinhansen wrote:Can we still regester online or is it pay at the Park now?

Kevin, please purchase your tickets online, it helps us better plan, especially when it come to ordering food. idahomountainfest.com/p/tic…

DPM magazine just published some more info about the Idaho Mountain Festival: dpmclimbing.com/articles/vi…

Festivals are fun if you want to do more hanging out that climbing (aka enjoy the social scene). If you just want to climb, you can just go climbing. There are clinics, but at something this small there are just a few, and they are really geared toward beginners, like anchor building with Rob Pizem and Lead Climbing with Jonathan Siegrest.

Aka one of the strongest sport climbers in America teaching you how to lead climb. Some bigger festivals have more advanced clinics, but they tend to be fewer and farther between. If you want to brush up on intro skills they could be fun.

The festival doesn't make City of Rocks less busy, as that is prime season and it seems to get busier each year.

Climberman wrote:Festivals are fun if you want to do more hanging out that climbing (aka enjoy the social scene). If you just want to climb, you can just go climbing. There are clinics, but at something this small there are just a few, and they are really geared toward beginners, like anchor building with Rob Pizem and Lead Climbing with Jonathan Siegrest.

Very true. I've been placing gear for almost two decades, and didn't gain much from the Trad clinic. Infact I made a helping comment and the presenter made fun of me. I went climbing, which was nice because everyone was at the clinics and the rocks were empty.
Later I sat down with Rob Pizem and had a one on one chat for 45 minutes about how to speed up multi pitch routes. I learned a ton. For example, he always uses a GRIGRI clipped into the anchor to bring up a second. I thought this was brilliant! You can hands free, eat, drink, prep for the next pitch and your partner is always on. The social aspect is money! Everyone's holding a beer and what are they talking about? Climbing. Routes. Techniques. Its the best way to find partners interested in projects you want to do.
"Any one want to do the Grand Traverse with me?"
'I'd be down'
"Great! Lets swing leads tomorrow and get things dialed. We can exchange email's then."

Climberman wrote: Aka one of the strongest sport climbers in America teaching you how to lead climb. Some bigger festivals have more advanced clinics, but they tend to be fewer and farther between. If you want to brush up on intro skills they could be fun. The festival doesn't make City of Rocks less busy, as that is prime season and it seems to get busier each year.

Too true. I live 45 minutes from the City. Its so nice to climb anything I want on a Wednesday evening cuz the place is empty. Weekends are for climbing in the Sawtooth's, Lost Rivers, or the Wind's.
Another perk to the Fest? Free shwag. They throw gear into the crowd! Last year they had 2 or 3 ropes to give away! I've already got my tickets.

Is anyone going up from the Salt Lake Area Thursday-Sun?