Kraft Boulder Classics

The Kraft Boulders are Vegas' largest and most popular area and the only place I'd climbed previous to this trip. With a short approach and good concentration it's easy to see why the place gets the majority of the traffic. We spent a couple days sampling the classics and I even collected a couple projects. My shoulder seems to be doing much better so if we make it back I'm hoping to dispatch with some of them.

Here are some pictures of a few of the classics at the Kraft boulders

$600. The name apparently had to do with a payout to aspiring first ascentionists.

$500. This problem shares the dyno ending of $600 but opts for the slightly easier left entrance

Angel Dyno. I think this is the best problem at the Krafts. Beautiful line, good rock and rad moves

Rino Rojo. The spicy top-out is hard for short folks

The Pearl. Possibly the most popular problem in Vegas.

Vegas Baby Vegas

Red Rocks outside of Las Vegas proved to be pretty decent. The rock tends to be mediocre but what it lacks in quality it makes up for in quantity. There are an impressive number of boulders for those willing to hike with top class problems on bomber rock popping up on occasion.

The sandstone lends itself toward steeper climbing so even when the lines are ugly and the rock is questionable it's still easy to have fun. I wouldn't say the bouldering can fully compete with Bishop and the Tanks but the fact that it's fairly new to me makes it my top pick for this winter. It's nice to be able to climb 10ish new climbs everyday instead of trying projects and seeking obscurities. Hopefully I'll make it back for a spell before flying back to Sweden.

Lots of boulders can be found in them hills

You got to love the desert. T-shirt bouldering in the dead of winter and plants that like their personal space.

Prairie trying Snake Eyes in the Kraft boulders

Americanization

I've been hanging with David the Australian for the last couple week. About a week ago he injured his finger and the inability to climb has lead to a downward spiral. It started with heavy drinking and ended with American flag tights. I hope his finger gets better soon.

Funny Shirt

I saw this shirt the other day and it made me laugh. I wonder if Jens has seen it as I'm told there are a few in circulation.

More Hueco Pictures

After a few relaxing days in Pie Town my shoulder is feeling better. Still not pain free but I'm ready to get back to abusing it.

Our small posse of 4 climbers are heading toward Las Vegas, enticed by all-you-can-eat buffets, desert sandstone and a chance to instantly improve your lot in life. A new guide for bouldering in the area recently came out and provided glossy pictures to get us all hot and bothered. Maybe Vegas will prove to be a new winter alternative as the Tank and Bishop have been losing my interest. We'll see.

In the meantime, here are some more pictures from the Tanks.

Nuno on the beautiful (but sharp) Better Eat your Wheaties

Andy grimacing on Sarah

Ryan on one of Hueco's best, Babyface

Hueco Pictures

Nick topping out See Spot Run

Allen tries Power of Silence

Chris running a lap on Moonshine Roof

The Egg

The Egg is one of my favorite problems in the Tanks and was Prairie's main objective for a couple days. Prairie was close to sending but couldn't put it all together. Next time.

For now I am off to Pie Town to hang with family and then I'll head to Vegas to explore the bouldering around sin city.

Here is a couple pictures of The Egg

Lisa on the first move of The Egg

Nuno finding purchase on the slopey finnish