A friend just told me about Mission Gorge in San Diego. Is this place good to climb at during December? From the link he sent me, http://members.cox.net/sandiegorock/climbing_areas/mission_g>>>>> I can't find any "best times to climb" info. Thanks all!

Sure, it's a great time to climb there. It gets afternoon sun -- something to keep in mind on chillier days.

We had a fun day there at Thanksgiving. It is HOT in the sun (dark rock). Combine that with the martine humidity and polished rock and I recommend shade (<2pm) for all but the coldest days.

MG is definitely not a destination, but a fine diversion if you are in SD.

If you can climb 5.11a sport, definitely get on this Escapade.... wickedly sustained and safe.

Mission gorge is definitely more of a diversion then a destination. The climbing isn't fantastic, it would be hard to even call it good. But if you cant get out of town for the weekend, or it may imminently rain at any moment ( but you still want to climb) the extreme convenience of access at mission gorge is great. The conditions during the winter months are perfect for climbing. If you ever want a partner I am usually willing and able all days of the week.

I have to defend the Gorge. I'm probably biased because it is less than 15 minutes from my house. I have climbed Yosemite, Red Rocks, Tahquitz, etc. I still have great days at Mission Gorge and after years of a growing ticklist, there are still good routes that I am discovering. There are all styles of route on super compact granite up to 100 feet in length. The routes will not crumble under your feet like at Joshua Tree. It can be slick at times which I think is people's problem with it.

It gets great morning shade so it is a good destination for the typically warm climate of SD. Don't be a fool, head up at 8AM, when the gate opens unless the day is cold. In San Diego, cold is a relative term.

With the concentration of climbing at Mission Gorge you can knock out ten routes in the morning and head to the beach to enjoy some fish tacos. If you've got energy left you can hit up the surf.

I can't say I'd make a road trip just for Mission Gorge, but I have trouble making a road trip for routes under 200 feet in length.