what arizona areas have reliable weather in Feb

Mostly looking for quality cracks or really special sport climbs. Paradise Forks is out, but what has reliable (climb 4 out of 5 days) weather in Feb? Will be en route from JT to Indian Creek. Thanks a bunch.

Is there a reason that you are not considering Red Rock?

from what ive heard, almost all of az gets an average of 300 days a year of sun a year. i spose there is still a chance of rain. i suggest cochise stronghold near tombstone for a variety of crack/ sport multi and single pitch.

we've been going to Sedona every weekend and its been awesome sunshine and temps :) lots of great cracks there too. have you checked out the Waterfall area?

just did Dr. rubos last weekend and it was excellent, south facing as well!

Oak creek looks great and sedona towers too. May do the drive to cochise- is there other winter areas in AZ that must not be missed? I've spent lots of time in RR and just want to see more of AZ.
Thanks

Jacks Canyon is one of the best sport crags anywhere and there are routes with morning & afternoon sun so great winter area as well as summer.

Jacks Canyon

Jacks canyon is a great sport climbing area, but it is certainly to cold for the winter and way, way too hot for the summer. The sending season in Jacks is spring and fall.

I second the Waterfall at Oak Creek if you want more Paradise Forks. If you like towers, Sedona is cool with sport climbs to boot. Of course, my personal fave is Isolation Canyon. It has sunny walls that are fine as long as there is no precipitation. Since you are probably coming up I-10 then north, these areas would not be out of your way, unlike a side trip to Cochise. Which is totally worth it.

I haven't climbed a lot of AZ but COCHISE STRONGHOLD!!!

Great climbing, great weather, free camping and even a town where everyone still dresses up as cowboys! EVERY DAY!

There aren't cracks like Indian Creek but there are excellent crack routes at the Stronghold. Bomber rock, well protected (even though some people don't agree), and amazing position. It's one of the best multi-pitch areas I've been too. Even better if you like slabby stuff. Well bolted 700 foot slabby climbs that get vertical at the cruxes. 700 foot climbs that you can do in three hours with 12 quickdraws and a bottle of wine!

Speaking of crack, Boris must be smoking a lot if he thinks that Jacks is too cold in the winter, as it is usually perfect. Not sure that Jack's is what you are looking for, though. Homestead is the most "special" sport area that has perfect weather in Feb, in my opinion. Rough Rider and Tufa City walls are amazing. Based on your agenda (JT & IC), I would say you probably want to go to Sedona or make the side trip down to Cochise. I like either of those more than JT.

Thanks guys- that's great. One more thing- is Abracadaver a good bet for February?

hanshan wrote:Thanks guys- that's great. One more thing- is Abracadaver a good bet for February?

Nope, it's North facing.
You might hit a wx spell that would allow it but not something you'd want to bet on. Might make the 2nd pitch easier but cranking the third in the cold wouldn't be much fun.

There is also a seasonal raptor closure in effect at some point.
Seems like it is in the spring so you'd need to make sure it wasn't in effect in Feb.

BenClimbing wrote: Based on your agenda (JT & IC), I would say you probably want to go to Sedona or make the side trip down to Cochise. I like either of those more than JT.

If in AZ for 5 days make the side trip to Cochise. You shal not be bummed. Toombstone (a short drive) makes for an awesome rest day.
Climb safe

I'd recommend Sedona/Waterfall.

Personally I think the Waterfall is the best small (<200routes) cragging areas in North America. Its like Paradise Forks but the average route grade is a little bit harder, the routes are much longer and more continuous and much more technical in nature.

Sedona is great and not to be missed for longer routes