Early March Denver area rock conditions?

I'll be in the area for a spring break trip around march 5-10 for the Pretty Lights show in denver and am wondering about local crag conditions. I understand that most of the stuff around the Golden area is in around then, but I'm looking for something more along the lines of quality trad lines (i.e. - boulder canyon, eldo, estes park, south platte). But thats not to say I don't enjoy a pumpy sport route either...

I'm coming from SLC so it is possible for me to come in from the North and exit the state via I-70. So any zone along that route is within my reach.

Any suggestions from the humble Colorado crowd?

Eldo will be fine, unless we get a big spring dump of snow......

Greg G wrote:humble Colorado crowd?

Awesome...

It's really hit or miss that time of year, as it is just about anytime from November to May. All of the aforementioned destinations could be great in March, but more likely it will be a little cool, breezy, or both. I would say your best bet is either Eldo or Golden. Lots of S. facing routes. S. Platte could be nice, but would depend on road conditions? But I know there is also great climbing near plowed roads too, so just research and explore. I would give climbing Lumpy/Estes a 21%-28% chance of being tolerable in early March. And many, many routes can be had in Boulder Canyon IF its nice out. Just come prepared for anything; I hear the Bastille Crack is a fun aid climb in desperate winter conditions. Other humble chillorado climbers might have other suggestions..

The Platte has had perfect conditions all winter long. T-shirt weather on some days. Just pick out S. facing cliffs and you should be fine as long as it has not snowed in the last day or two.

Everything will be good by then...

+1 for hit or miss. I find that most things south facing are great in the winter IF its sunny. Colorado is known for 300 days of sun a year so your chances are good.

I am not too big of a fan of eldo in the winter because I think the canyon gets cold and stays cold in the winter but just my two cents. I would think you could do better for warmth in Boulder Canyon.

Aside from weather you may encounter multiple cliffs closed for bird nesting closures. It seems that the birds also like the south facing crags.

I would have to give Lumpy a higher probability than 28% in March. It will definitely be hit or miss but I would go with something more like 50%. The Pear tends to be nice and warm as well as the Bookend. If the wind is down, the Book or the Owls are real nice most of the winter.

Another option is Combat Rock. It bakes during the day. It is not rare to be climbing there in shorts in January.

If all else fails, head to the stuff around Golden. Clear Creek can be great, albeit sport.