Advice for trip to Red Rocks
|
My partner and I are looking to go sport climbing at Red Rocks. |
|
It's going to be cold as shit that time of year. Chase sun by staying out of the canyons and sticking to south facing areas. You might be able to get by if you have full sun, no wind, and temps above 40 degrees. |
|
Thomas Constantino wrote:My partner and I are looking to go sport climbing at Red Rocks.Was halfway done typing up a response then realized I was giving you info on the wrong area. In common climbing usage "The Red" is Red River Gorge, KY. I used to live in vegas and we climbed year round at Red Rocks, but you definitely want to be in the sun that time of year. I recall winter days often being clear and sunny, but a little on the chilly side. If the wind picks up it may be a little uncomfortable. If you want sport calico basin has a good concentration. Most of the classic routes in the 10a or lower range are probably going to be multipitch trad and sport options really open up when you get into the 10s. The Handren guide is a great resource and you will have plenty to keep you busy regardless. Not the advice you asked for and it sounds like you've already put down money, but Red Rocks would probably not be at the top of my list for a trip that time of year or for a primarily sport climbing trip. I typically research areas/weather before I put money down on airfare. |
|
John Wilder wrote:It should be fine for sunny sport climbing in the afternoon that time of year if it isn't raining. Most of the best easy sport sees alot of shade, unfortunately, so your selection will be limited. Walls to check out (south to North) Jessica's/Dantes Civilization Panty Ultraman Magic Bus Hunter S Thompson Meet Up Gallery/Wall of Confusion Also, you may want to change the title of the thread to Red Rock, not the Red. The Red is in Kentucky and not awesome in January.Thank you for title change (Just realized) & the advice.. what do you think our weather is going to be like? I'm looking at 60s? |
|
will ar wrote: Was halfway done typing up a response then realized I was giving you info on the wrong area. In common climbing usage "The Red" is Red River Gorge, KY. I used to live in vegas and we climbed year round at Red Rocks, but you definitely want to be in the sun that time of year. I recall winter days often being clear and sunny, but a little on the chilly side. If the wind picks up it may be a little uncomfortable. If you want sport calico basin has a good concentration. Most of the classic routes in the 10a or lower range are probably going to be multipitch trad and sport options really open up when you get into the 10s. The Handren guide is a great resource and you will have plenty to keep you busy regardless. Not the advice you asked for and it sounds like you've already put down money, but Red Rocks would probably not be at the top of my list for a trip that time of year or for a primarily sport climbing trip. I typically research areas/weather before I put money down on airfare.Thank you, all our investments are moveable. She's been before and says climbing Red Rocks in March was hot & dry. We're keep our foot down and packing a jacket. Looks like I'm ordering Handren Guide. |
|
Thomas Constantino wrote: Thank you for title change (Just realized) & the advice.. what do you think our weather is going to be like? I'm looking at 60s?http://lmgtfy.com/?q=red+rock+national+conservation+area+average+temperatures |
|
March is variable, especially in the desert. You can bake and sweat in the sun if temps are in the 50s, and then freeze your ass off in the shade just around the corner. You should be bringing more than just a warm jacket, especially if you plan on belaying. Hand warmers in your chalkbag are nice for winter climbing, and you'll definitely want gloves for the belay. |
|
BrianWS wrote:March is variable, especially in the desert. You can bake and sweat in the sun if temps are in the 50s, and then freeze your ass off in the shade just around the corner. You should be bringing more than just a warm jacket, especially if you plan on belaying. Hand warmers in your chalkbag are nice for winter climbing, and you'll definitely want gloves for the belay. Check monthly averages for the area. Lows can be in the teens and twenties, highs might creep into the 60s if you're very lucky - I think the average high is in the low 50s or high forties that time of year. Also keep in mind that the rock needs time to warm up and any wind or moisture is going to make things unpleasant.Right on, so we're going from climbing Rumney, NH in the Fall, to climbing Rumney, NH in the summer. Haha |
|
Red Rock is my very most favorite winter destination. I've not been in January, but in December the temperatures are awesome. Belay in a light jacket, climb without sort of temps. |
|
John Wilder wrote: I think you mean Big Bad WolfYes... Right. It's riding hood wall. That's what I get trusting my lame brain to remember stuff. |
|
BrianWS wrote:It's going to be cold as shit that time of year. Chase sun by staying out of the canyons and sticking to south facing areas. You might be able to get by if you have full sun, no wind, and temps above 40 degrees. No specific route recommendations at your requested grade range, but get the Handren guide.Definitely false, it has potential to be cold (as low as 20'-30's). However odds are if there is no wind there won't be any issues at all. You may want to chase sun but definitely bearable in the shade if you are used to climbing in colder weather (less than 50) Past five years I have been there around that time there was only a 3 day stretch when climbing was not possible due to cold (low 40 degree temp/ with 20-30 mph winds). |
|
climbingweather.com/Nevada/…
False in your experience, not in mine. This person came looking for others' experiences and anecdotes, that's what he's getting. No need to discredit mine because you had a good streak of weather - winter weather is not consistent, and most of the casual clip ups, which the op is looking for, are harder to find in comfortable condition given aspect and shade. Froze my ass and fingers off half the time I was there and had some awesome days with mild temps and good sun. Advice still applies - chase sun, avoid shade, prepare for uncomfortable temps but don't rule out decent conditions. |
|
Maybe I'll review my trip insurance and see if I can push back a month, or forwards a month. |