Leavenworth: Best Climbing Trip Ever

And I quote: “Best climbing trip ever.”

It was our third climbing and camping trip together, and our longest one yet. We spent a full week bouldering in Leavenworth, sleeping in a tent, living like dirtbags… and we absolutely loved it.

On the drive down to Leavenworth, I talked about my climbing goals for the trip: I wanted to retroflash The Hueco Route V1, send one V2 every day, and send a single V3 (which would also be my first outdoor V3).

Fast forward to the end of the week: I easily retroflashed The Hueco Route, sent one or even two V2s day, and sent FIVE V3s altogether. My partner got more than 35 sends of V2 and higher, including his penultimate climb, Mr. Leftist V6. It was the best week of climbing both of us had ever done.

Between all the climbs and attempts and falls and torn skin? Everything else was incredible too. The starry skies, cribbage every night before bed, sleeping with the fly off, morning coffees on the side of the road, bathing in an ice cold river aptly named Icicle Creek, cooking delicious camp food, two rounds of drunken mini golf, a rest day where we didn’t even fully rest, and meeting so many wonderful people.

Our trip to Leavenworth left me wanting more. More days exploring the rocks down in Leavenworth, sure, but more so days living like a dirtbag and exploring anywhere I can.

Warming up on a V0 on the Scarecrow Boulder in Forestland.

Such an interesting rock! No Pitons Here V0 and Bubbles V-Easy in Swiftwater Picnic Area were so much fun to climb.

Looking for beta together between my attempts on Sleeve Ace V3 in Swiftwater Boulders.

Resting (or was it dying?) between attempts on Drugstore Cowboy V3 in Mad Meadows.

The views while bouldering in Leavenworth are stunning.

My partner flashing Sunny and Steep V2, a picturesque climb and setting.

Me on my send-go on Sunny and Steep V2, after approximately 97 minutes of projecting.

Looking up Icicle Creek, just outside of Leavenworth.

The coolest undercling hold on U2 V3 in The Forest.

Finally making it up U2 and sending my third V3 of the week.

Spot these pretty purple lupines all over the outskirts of Leavenworth.

This tent was home sweet home for a full week.