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New Jack City or other Socal climbing areas with camping

Original Post
Joe Garibay · · Ventura, Ca · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 86

can anyone fill me in on how busy this place gets on holidays. I'm planning on heading out there for New Years weekend but I won't be getting there until Friday mid day. Will I still be able to find a spot? If campgrounds are full, can I still pitch a tent in another area of the BLM land?
Also, can I get any other suggestions for a climb and camp spot that will be warm enough for kids yet enjoyable enough to climb. Thoughts on Devils Punchbowl?

Guy Keesee · · Moorpark, CA · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 349

Joe.... Haven"t been there on a BIG weekend because joining in on the Sunday drive home with all the Vegas traffic truly blows.

If its nice and warm, not looking like that will happen though, the campsites fill up.

if its cold... you most likely will not have problems with a camp-spot. I don't think there are the severe restrictions on the number of cars in a site (no Nazi rangers ready to tool your ass) so you can probably join in with strangers. Yes you can go camp in the surrounding desert too.... go back to the paved road and camp on the other side

Barstow has pretty cheap Motels, last time my friends and I went to the Best Western, 3 of us for $70 with Breakfast tossed in and some lunch too thanks to the bananas, bagles and bacon we walked out with.

NJC has some nice micro climates, sunny spots sheltered from the wind, that work when its cold... much better than Josh on cold days.

Have fun....

Joe Garibay · · Ventura, Ca · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 86

Thanks Guy. I was thinking about the Vegas traffic myself. The weekend will be here quick. Just looking for a good place to climb that won't be too cold. Camping would be a bonus. Alabama Hills was originally on my list but Jack Frost is making me change my mind. I'm starting to think that my best options are right in front of my face at my home crags.

Guy Keesee · · Moorpark, CA · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 349
"I'm starting to think that my best options are right in front of my face at my home crags."

I think that Santa Barbara has some of the warmest weather around, the Toxic Shock wall gets sun from sunrise to sunset....

But if NJC is around 56 with no wind it will be good....to beat the I15 mess... take the 58 from Barstow to Mojave. From there Ventura County is smooth sailing....

And it might be warm out on the 10 fwy, by the southern entrance to Josh. Chirricho Summit (sp) and the next few off ramps to the east all have some cool climbing and bouldering and free BLM camping, south of the 10.

I am watching the weather myself, might just go down by YUMA.... there are some big rocks EAST of town close to I8 that look nice.... I can not find any info on these.
Jason Serafin · · O'side, CA · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 0

Guy,

Tagging on to this thread, how do you think Indian Cove campground will be as far as temps this week? It usually seems to be quite a bit warmer than the rest of the park and many of the walls are south facing. Have a reservation for Tuesday through Friday for a family trip, but contemplating cancelling because of the cool forecast. It is supposed to be sunny though with daytime highs 50 - 55. Thanks for any insights.

JT

Joe Garibay · · Ventura, Ca · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 86

JT, do it! As long as it's not howling wind, you're good. I imagine it will be in the low 30's at night but that looks like the norm for anywhere right now. Indian Cove is very exposed to the sun otherwise. But possibly like you, I'll have a few kids with me. Doing my best to find a good camp and climb place for us. Going to change the title to allow for more feedback.

Guy Keesee · · Moorpark, CA · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 349

That's cold IMHO.... One thing I learned as a parent is this... If you want your children to like camping, do not take em out when its freezing. You as a climber will tough it out because you will go and do something you enjoy, not the kids.

Joe... Devils Punch bowl? 28 at nite in Palmdale.... go up 1500 feet... about 22.

Toasty, no.

have fun whatever you do.

drjman · · NJC · Joined Jun 2015 · Points: 2,469

Campgrounds at NJC were pretty empty today (3 sites occupied total). It was around 48 and the winds were 15+ with gusts even more. It was pretty cold with the wind. Going to be colder tomorrow. The low last night there was around 20.

Joe Garibay · · Ventura, Ca · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 86

Thanks for the updates. Everyone wussed out. I'll be cruising in the warm santa Monica's instead.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern California
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