My wife's brother is into rock climbing. So instead of sitting around the house on Memorial Day, we decided to head to the City of Rocks and do some rock climbing with the family.

13 of us ended up going, 6 kids and 7 adults. After a wet start to the Memorial Day weekend, Memorial Day itself was cool and breezy, but no precipitation was falling.

Our first climbing spot was Owl Rock. Ryan picked a 5.8 route. Ryan set an anchor and then topped roped anyone that wanted to climb up. While they setup, I hiked up nearby Peak 7715. When I got back, I watched several more of the family make it up Owl Rock.

We then headed to Practice Rock, figuring it would be less busy since it was mid-afternoon. We got on one-pitch route rated 5.7. The kids and adults again had fun here. This area was fun because you could scramble all around, including above the rock climbing pitches and look down.

Lastly, we stopped at Bath Rock on our way home. Bath Rock has a class 4 route on its backside that can be utilized. In one area, there is some good exposure climber's right, so they have installed metal handles to give you some protection. Once past this short section, the climbing is steep, but not as exposed. The top sports some cool views, and of course, a "bath" in the rocks on the top of the peak.

We finally took of in the evening, not getting back until after 10pm. However, it was a great day! My first trip of many to the City of Rocks.

For Peak 7715, I followed the east ridge from Owl Rock.

For Bath Rock, we did the class 4 scramble from the backside.