Dalton Wash

One of the new areas Isaac has developed near St George is Dalton Wash (it is actually located a couple miles outside the town of Virgin).  This area is smallish and offers mixed quality rock but a few of the problems are world-class.  Dalton Wash is also awesome for a guy climbing solo with a 3 year old as many of the boulders are within eyesight of the parking and I could climb without always having to drag Hammie along (A short session while Hammie eats breakfast?  Don't mind if I do).  I spent several days here repeating many of the classics and adding a few problems of my own.

Here are a few pictures from Dalton Wash

 Atlas is one of those problems that make an area and has already attracted quite a few folks to Dalton.  It was the first problem I tried when I went there and was so good I did it twice.  Pleasing movement and a good combination of thuggery and technique make this a worthy test-piece.  In this photo Seth tries to get a feel for the toe-hooks at the end of Atlas. 

Milford's Cubical is a good problem on one of the better boulders at Dalton.  This techy dihedral is one of 7 establish problem on a large boulder.

Casey on another great problem on the same boulder as Milford's Cubical.  This problem and the arete to the left are top-notch but I don't know what they are called.  Must dos if visiting Dalton. 

 Isaac cleaned this new problem above Atlas that proved to be pretty awesome.  It involved big toe-hooks a blind dyno, and a tooth like hold. After figuring the beta Isaac, Seth and myself did it in succession and I think the name was the Tooth of Death or something like that.

 Seth snags a jug and Isaac nearly gets booted in the face.  This problem actually evolved slightly during our session but the "new" holds are solid and make the ending a bit spicier.  I don't know the name of this one but it comes highly recommended.   

Siemay getting her mantle on at the top of Hourglass.

A New Winter Destination

Life in St George is awesome.  I came with very little expectations, simply hoping to climb some new problems and do some exploring but what I've discovered is a new winter home.  Moe's Valley is all most people think of regarding St George bouldering but it is just the tip of the iceberg.  The sandstone bouldering in this region is endless and the rock is of good/excellent quality (Moe's Valley is of lesser quality than other areas).  There are also no major access issues, a great local crew and a kindred spirit in local developer Isaac Caldierio.

I don't believe I'm overstating it when I say the only things keeping this region from being a proper winter destination is developmental work and spray.  During my brief time here I've done a good amount of running around and brushing and I wish we had more time.  Hammie and I were meant to stay a few more days but a small storm is pushing us toward Vegas for our last couple of climbing days before heading to NM and then Sweden.  I will certainly be coming back to St George and if I can have my way I'll be spending the next couple winters frolicking amongst the endless sandstone boulders.

 Those boulders are huge and they continue for miles.

 Isaac on one of the gems he established at a new area called Dalton Wash

 Just a few more boulders that need to be explored/cleaned

 One of the better problems I put up.  "Keep Me Out of the Mud" is techy on perfect rock. The sit start is still undone.

We never got around to trying this mega-project.  Amazing line on bullet rock.