A small group of us takes a climbing trip in November each year. We haven't been to New Mexico or Arizona yet and would like to visit. We enjoy both sport and trad and usually keep the pitches from 1 to 3 on trips like this. Does anybody have any suggestions as to the best places to visit in November? Thanks.

Cochise and Tucson (Lemmon and Milagrosa). Have fun.

Enchanted Tower is the best sport climbing crag in either of those states, but it wil be hit or miss in November. If ET is too cold, Last Chance Canyon should be perfect in November.

E.T. is real nice but probably too cold in November. Homestead has the best sport in AZ/NM in November, possibly year round. Just too hot to climb at in the summer... You will need 4x4 or an AMAZING 4x2. Hike to the upper walls and you will be amazed that you have never heard of the place! A little bit of Spain in Arizona...
Enjoy!

For sport climbing in AZ in November: the Dry (high clearance required) or the Homestead (high clearance and knarly 4x4 required).

For multipitch sport and trad, between 2 pitches and 8 pitches long, and beautiful isolated free camping Cochise Stronghold. Check out the Beanfest topic under the AZ thread. You should go, it's a big old party.

Mt. Lemmon also has plenty of 1 pitch sport and trad but you have to know where the better areas are. If you decide to go there post here again and we'll give you beta.

Hueco Tanks, Texas

Nobody's mentioned the Organ Mountains, outside of Las Cruces. I've only done the massive 5.6 friction slab up Sugerloaf, but there's lots of shorter climbs there.

FWIW, a Subaru Outback with a GOOD driver can make it to Homestead and the Dry.

Burn! ouch

One word: Sedona.

Or if you are wanting to tour around a bit, Sedona, Granite Mountain, Isolation Canyon, and Winslow Wall would be a great and memorable AZ road trip!

Just my 2 cents. Regardless of where you go, good luck & have fun!

I was up there in mine this spring - I can point you to a couple of witnesses that doubted I'd be able to do it...that have since bought Outbacks themselves.
Of course, I've had a bit more driving training than the average person.
Oh, and Brigette, bite me. :) I will take you on in your standard 4runner anywhere, in any condition!

Thanks for all the great suggestions and some entertainment. We haven't made a decision yet, but know whatever we choose we will have a good time.

We are leaning toward Homestead and The Dry. Are there guide books, or where is the best place to get rout info?

Marty Karabin has a real simple and nice guide for the routes at the Homestead. $2-

The homestead has more sport climbing than the dry. But it is harder to get into and the dry is right next to Cochise which is a huge advantage, especially with the beanfest being in November.

Contact this guy for a guidebook of the dry www.mountainproject.com/u/vince_bates/106207607

Stronghold is not the place to be unless you are looking for long multi-pitch sport/mix, short single pitch sport, long multi-pitch trad or short single pitch trad, free camping, easy drive that can be made by any car, and toasty winter climbing. Oh wait, sounds like the Stronghold is just what you are looking for.

Queen Creek is a great place to climb in November. The Pond and Atlantis have a lot of high quality sport routes. I've heard the about 10% of the Queen Creek area is developed, so there is a TON of climbing. Plus, if you feel like a little bouldering, it has Oak Flats right in the middle (which also has some sport and toprope/highball).

Arizona is alright, but it can either be really hot with no shade and then freezing during the night. You have to watch out for jumping cholla balls, prickly pear and other spiny plants, not to mention those fucking rattle snakes. you probably should just stay home and not climb in such a hostel climate like Arizona

Robin like the bird, are you scared of a little nature in your climbing experience? Maybe the climate controlled / indoor plastic climbing world could suit your needs. Always shady, never freezes, and no cholla balls to worry about. You do still have to be observant of your surroundings though, you never know when someone will let their pet rattler out in the gym. One could even find its way in from the outdoors!

P.S. I know you were trying to be sarcastic, just couldn't really catch it so I had to roast like you meant it.

I was looking for a partner to climb with in Sedona
sincere@groupvertical.com

Arizona sucks don't come here haole :-)