Where are the best places to Trad climb in the USA during December and January?

Hey all,

I want to trad climb moderate stuff in the months of December and January, but want to avoid climbing in frigid temperatures.

Also, I want to climb at a well known area, with lots of developed climbing areas\routes to choose from.

I am from the Northeast where temps can be pretty cold during these months and the ice picks\crampons start to come out.

I am assuming that the Deep South\South Western states are the places to be during these months?

I look forward to your response.

Regards,
-Matt

Red Rocks!

well indian creek of course!

Joshua Tree

When I lived in Los Angeles, we always made runs to J-tree in Dec/Jan.

It will be pretty cold at night, but, unless its windy, the days are gorgeous.

T-Wall in Chattanooga, TN.

+1 for twall and the chattanooga area in general

For *moderate* trad climbing in the winter (or any other season) you absolutley cannot beat JTree. For 5.10 and up, IC is your spot. Just make sure you have a really warm sleeping bag. My first night in IC is still one that I remember...mainly because I was awake all night.

JTree in winter can be glorious, decent, uncomfortable, or miserable, even without wind. Temps and cloud conditions vary substantially.

Anyone know how Chochise Stronghold in Arizona is during the same season?

chochise is just about the same as indian creek, nice and warm during the day but cold at night (maybe not to the same extreme as the crrek can be). however, i personaly perfer the creek. nothing beats the splitters they have at the creek.

Go to JT. Lots of great moderate routes, with variety, not just cracks like IC.

Make sure you have a good camping setup so hanging out in tent during he long winter hours isn't a chore.

Red Rocks would be good too, but the camping sucks that's why I'd go for JT.

If you get an extended warm spell whip up to Yosemite for a few days. It can be pretty nice there during warm spells during the winter.

Have fun.

I'm just going to say that Indian Creek is WAY colder overall in Dec-Jan than Jtree, Red Rocks, or Cochise. I would not make it a destination for this time of year.

Hey all,

Thanks all for your suggestions!

Happy Cragging.

Regards,
-Matt