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Early March Climbing in RRG

Original Post
Thomas Matheson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2015 · Points: 0

Hello all,

I'm a student from Michigan trying to plan a spring break trip. I've been to the RRG a handful of times, but never in the spring, so I'm just wondering how soon the sport season is going to be starting? Are conditions likely to be ready by March 12?

Any information helps!

Thanks!

DrRockso RRG · · Red River Gorge, KY · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 815

Kentucky weather is Kentucky weather. I climbed last weekend in the 50's this weekend was below freezing. It's really impossible to tell, you're likely to be able to get on some rock then, camping will probably still be pretty cold so bring warm stuff. Realize it's not unheard of for it to snow that time of year and be prepared to pick some sunny crags.

DrRockso RRG · · Red River Gorge, KY · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 815

Farmers almanac says highs in the mid 50's I would consider this perfect but others disagree so it really depends on your perspective. If it gets closer and the weather forecast sucks you can always look up weather at The Obed or New River.

Cara Hubbell · · Arvada, CO · Joined Jun 2015 · Points: 107

I'm going for spring break as well. I say that even if only one day has nice enough weather, it's still totally worth the trip :) The Red is just too awesome!!

Dylan Pike · · Knoxville, TN · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 488

As long as you pick a sunny crag, you will have a good time. If its 40 and rainy, you might have a bad time. Weather is a toss up. If I were in your shoes I'd go for sure.

Dylan Pike · · Knoxville, TN · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 488

If you climb 12s, then most sport crags will be plenty overhung to keep you dry. There are even some trad areas with roofs that protect the cracks from rain showers. If you want more beta on specific crags that stay dry, send me a pm.

DrRockso RRG · · Red River Gorge, KY · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 815

Melting snow and heavy rain can make even some of the most overhung crags at the Red wet due to groundwater seepage. That is the exception to the rule however, so most of the time, yes, you can climb even while it's down pouring.

Good crags for the rain include the Motherlode, Midnight Surf, Bob Marley Crag, Drive-By Crag, The Solarium, Bruise Brothers, Fruit Wall, Parts of Chocolate Factory, The 12 wall at Military Wall, Roadside Crag (Make sure you acquire a permit), The Zoo, in light rain I believe Great Wall, Great Arch, Plate Tectonics stay mostly dry. That ought to give you a decent start, I'm sure you know the guidebook has indications for each wall on whether or not the crag is good for rain. Oh yeah and for trad in the rain Fortress Wall is the spot.

yesrodcire · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 5

Yep, I would go for it if the weather is only calling for one day of rain. Why would you say its rolling the dice with the weather? From your own words you say Sunday is the only day with rain forecast, any outdoor sport is going to be a roll of the dice but the red is one of the best places for climbing when its raining. 50s and 60s here will be plenty warm to climb, sun or shade.

dgerb · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2013 · Points: 1,065

Hey guys,

Would anybody be interested to join up for climbing at RRG from 3/21-3/23?

I was also planning to climb at RRG from 3/19-3/23. I live in CA and I'm going to a wedding in Chicago on 3/25. I figured that I'd try and combo in a Red trip with my friend despite the potential for bad weather. However, it looks like this weekend will be rainy and my friend decided last minute that she didn't want to take off Mon-Wed.

If you're interested to join up for climbing during those dates, just let me know! Thanks!

DrRockso RRG · · Red River Gorge, KY · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 815
Mr. Stevens wrote:Any locals or frequent visitors care to comment on the upcoming weather? Our plan right now is to arrive Saturday afternoon (3/19) and climb Sunday-Friday. Right now Sunday looks pretty rough, but the rest of the week is shaping up nicely. Don't mind suffering for one day, but would prefer to not make a 30+ hour round trip drive just to roll the dice with the weather. Not really sure what 50-60's is like in Kentucky, especially if it's partly cloudy, so any advice would be welcome. Thanks!
50's are good, go to a wall that says full sun in the guidebook, Solarium/Arsenal is a popular combo. 60's are pretty good with either shade or sun depending on your preference.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern States
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