Red Rocks: Solar Slab temperature question.

Howdy there, I’m planning to climb in Red Rocks for the first time next week.  Would like to get on Solar Slab, but the temperature forecast looks to be high 70s- 80 for the area. Could anyone comment if this would be too hot for this south-facing route, and should we look for more shaded climbs with that forecast? Thanks in advance for any advice. 

You'll be roasting up there in those temps.  The black rubber on your shoes gets so hot that your feet start to burn.  Stick to shaded routes if temps are in the 80s.  Routes with indirect sun or morning sun can be nice if in the 70s.  First creek slabs has some routes that would be a decent alternative for length, style, and grade if temps are in the 70s.

Make sure that you are checking a point forecast in red rocks and not just the temps in Las Vegas proper.  red rocks is generally 5-10 degrees cooler than inside the city.  In addition a breeze makes a big difference if there is one.  I would say 70's are probably ok but I have been cooked on solar slab before with temps in the 80's. The last time I did SS it was in November and the highs were in the 60's and it was perfect temps.

Dan Mydanswrote:

Make sure that you are checking a point forecast in red rocks and not just the temps in Las Vegas proper.  red rocks is generally 5-10 degrees cooler than inside the city.  In addition a breeze makes a big difference if there is one.  I would say 70's are probably ok but I have been cooked on solar slab before with temps in the 80's. The last time I did SS it was in November and the highs were in the 60's and it was perfect temps.

To Dan's point, here is a link to the NOAA weather page specific to Red Rock.

Follow up question - from partner of Backstep - what would you think of olive oil under same conditions ?  Still gets quite a bit of sun, but also seems maybe less intense and maybe doable in high 70s day?  Or better just to hit first creek etc ?

Instead of trying to figure out which sunny route will be least miserable, why not just climb one of the dozens of shady routes in the same grade range?

If solar slab is hot olive will also be hot but it’s much shorter so you shouldn’t be on it nearly as long. A lot of the shadier routes are harder than Solar slab or gernimo. Frogland is pretty shady and really good but it’s a notch or 2 harder than the other routes. Dark shadows is also really good but a couple grades harder than solar slab. 

I would have some other options (or shorter ones). One of the other problems is that these are two of the most popular routes in red rocks, so unless you get there at 5:30 AM (or earlier, honestly), you're probably going to be spending a bunch of time baking on the wall waiting on parties in front of you.

Thanks.  Agree it may not be worth pushing it with all the other options . Considering First Creek Slabs or Angel Food as alternatives. 

Lady Luck is an excellent 5.7 in the First Creek Slabs with a fun descent. Romanian Rib is also super fun but goes at 5.5. Could also pair either with Lotta Balls as you walk by the wall on the hike out (if you have time) 

Thanks for the great input.  Plan is to head to Purblind Pillar and check that out.