It looks like we will have a break from the bitter cold this weekend and I'm hoping to make a weekend climbing trip. Does anyone know if Blue Mounds and Palisades are dry?
Any suggestions on good climbing destination within 3-5 hours of the twin cities that are climbable this time of year (sport / trad / TR)?
Blue Mounds sticks up out of the prairie, with the exposure and Sioux Quartzite, it's a safe bet that it's dry. Trad and TR, I thought the routes were a little sandbagged, but I was pretty hungover.
Grandad's Bluff in La Crosse is closer, its a bit wet out today. but the rock usually dries out pretty fast. Southern facing and lots of sun. Can't say the same for the approach or base of the climbs, though this time of year...you'll have muddy boots, bring a rope tarp. Sport and TR, enough routes to make a solid weekend. Approach is a short downhill slope, and in La Crosse fashion there's a bar at the entrance of the park. No camping, though.
Willow or Interstate might be a good bet, probably more favorable weather conditions than Palisades or other north shore climbs. Sandstone and Red Wing will probably have some traffic.
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