Me in front of a climb at Red Wing Minnesota
Went rock climbing up in Red Wing Minnesota last weekend – I was very impressed. Being a Chicago local we don’t have too many climbing options nearby, it’s nice to add another one to the list. I’m guessing maybe 50 climbs or so. Steep but not overhanging limestone. Routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.14, so something for everybody. Some great cracks to for trad climbers. Half of it’s in the sun, half is north facing, so depending the time of day or the time of the year you can choose where to climb. Some polished holds on the easier climbs but I didnt find it too egregious. We camped at Frontenac State Park about ten minutes from the crag. The town of Red Wing is pretty cool, lots of bikers and a number of cool restaurants, minutes from the climbing. Very enjoyable trip. Another item of note – at the tops of all the climbs there wer carabieners attached to the chains! It made for much faster climbing as when you topped out you just clipped the rope in to both bieners and down you came, no laborious and dangerous time wasted cleaning the route, and not wear and tear on the chains/cold shuts and makes it more efficient and safer for all. Would be great to have that setup at the Red and Jackson Falls too.
Sandra on trad lead
