Sunny rocks near Boston
|
|
I was hoping to gain an knowledge on very sunny places to climb rocks this time of year near the boston area. Near to me would range from w mass to Lincoln woods to pway. Boulders ropes whatever. The sunnier the better. Thanks for reading and any replies! |
|
|
Whatever the other disadvantages, sections of Quincy Quarries are major suntraps, also generally sheltered from the prevailing winds. I spent many sunny winter days climbing on 'C Walls' in shirtsleeves despite thermometer temperatures often below freezing. During my time in Boston ( and before gyms) that was the go-to local winter option. Close to the Quarries, there are also some more limited winter options at Rattlesnake Rocks in the Blue Hills, though the roads there are often closed for the winter, making for a longer approach. While I don't specifically recall climbing there during the winter, I know that Waits Mountain in Malden gets good afternoon sun and is likely a good option. Further north, I'm also guessing that Red Rock and some of the other Cape Ann crags can be good in winter in terms of sun, though might have drainage issues if there is much snow cover. Further south, as you mentioned, Lincoln Woods in RI is a popular winter bouldering locale. |
|
|
You can find rock to climb at Rumney, Hewes Hill, and Crow Hill; it will be what it is and lots will be damp/snow-covered. Maybe a stretch drive, but you might check out Spider's Web in the Daks. I have rock climbing shoes in the car now when I go ice climbing--just in case there is no ice or it is too slushy, but that is optimism rather than rational. There is lots of snow still on the cliffs, so a day that temps top out at 30 F might be more climbable than a 45 degree day that just gets everything melting in a big way. |
|
|
A bit of a drive but the best plce for winter rock climbing is East Peak, CT. Just as the description says, "A great spot for cold weather climbing" mountainproject.com/area/10… |
|
|
For rope stuff near Boston: College Rock, Waitt's Mountain and Rattlesnake Rocks tend to dry quick and are sunny. Red Rock in Gloucester is really good, but rather shaded/ maybe north facing so perhaps not the best as it may be wet. For boulders the 14th Hole, Pipefitter and Weetamoo boulders at Lynn Woods get winter sun. And probably a bunch of other blocks are climbable there too. I've also had good days bouldering at Hammond Pond in the winter. |
|
|
You mean, "when it's sunny" I assume? It's not like there are places in New England that get more sunny weather than other places. |
|
|
Main Cliff at Rumney during the first part of the day gets blasted with sun. I climbed there in December when the temps were in the 20s, and while I was a bit cold belaying (though not too bad with the right clothes), I was totally fine climbing. It's gorgeous there! Similarly, Waimea at Rumney gets very good sun during the second part of the day. |
|
|
Sunbowl would probably be a good bet. |




