Where to climb in LA after it rains?

Thanks for the suggestions. Does anyone think that Devil’s Punchbowl will be alright. It’s conglomerate ala Texas Canyon. I’m thinking it’s high desert setting might have kept some rain away. 

Michael Anthony wrote: 

So does andesite breccia soak up rain similar to sandstone and thus shouldn’t be climbed on after rain?

Depends on the breccia, as some have muddy/sandy matrices while others may have welded ash matrices. I personally like to give crags like Malibu/Echo a day or two to dry off. 

Timothy Carlson wrote: Thanks for the suggestions. Does anyone think that Devil’s Punchbowl will be alright. It’s conglomerate ala Texas Canyon. I’m thinking it’s high desert setting might have kept some rain away. 

Devils Punchbowl is extremely soft conglomeratic sandstone. Definitely a spot to avoid if it’s rained recently. That being said, it is in the rain shadow of San Gabriel Range so it tends to receive less precipitation. 

An earlier poster referenced Apple Valley Crags. These are a fantastic choice when SoCal is wet. Granitic rock in a naturally dry zone. 

Derek Field wrote: Depends on the breccia, as some have muddy/sandy matrices while others may have welded ash matrices. I personally like to give crags like Malibu/Echo a day or two to dry off. 

Understood. Sounds like I probably would have been fine to go climb this morning (rained Thursday), but I’m good with relaxing and watching some football today. Thanks for the info!

Michael Anthony wrote:

Understood. Sounds like I probably would have been fine to go climb this morning (rained Thursday), but I’m good with relaxing and watching some football today. Thanks for the info!

Timothy and Michael; Apple Valley has a LOT of climbing in the area.
That's where I lived before I moved to Vegas, and I am in Apple Valley every month for a week or so washing windows for my long time customers.
Feel free to PM me if you are ever interested in climbing there and I will show you around.

Dwain/Cosmic

Planet Of The Apes Wall in Malibu Creek State Park never gets wet with the exception of the very top. Bring old shoes for walking there since they will get muddy. I have climbed and bouldered there many times during or right after heavy rain. The traverse along the base of the wall is excellent for building up your grip.

Benjamin Chapman wrote: Marc801C is correct regarding the conglomerate. It's Texas Canyon, not Texas. Texas Canyon is conglomerate and climbable after rain, not what Ned Plimpton states. Contrary to Ned's belief, Malibu Creek and Echo Cliffs are Rhyolite, not conglomerate. The only caveat to climbing at Texas Canyon is that the USFS routinely closes the gate to Rush Canyon Road  (approach to Texas Canyon) when weather forecasts predict significant rain.

I'm no geologist, but I'd say rain will still have a negative impact on the conglomerate at Texas Canyon based on how crumbly the rock feels even when it is dry.

Cosmiccragsman AKA Dwain wrote: Timothy and Michael; Apple Valley has a LOT of climbing in the area.
That's where I lived before I moved to Vegas, and I am in Apple Valley every month for a week or so washing windows for my long time customers.
Feel free to PM me if you are ever interested in climbing there and I will show you around.

Dwain/Cosmic

Hello Dwain!

I'll definitely keep that in mind, thanks for the invite!  I've never climbed over that way so I friendly partner to show me around would be great.  

I climbed at the Tunnel Crag yesterday at 7000 feet, 60 degrees, sunny and no wind.  700 feet of climbing between two different routes.  Perfect day.
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