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Rain and Joshua Tree

Original Post
Ian Bloom · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 190

I was thinking of planning a trip to Joshua Tree this coming weekend but the forecast calls for rain. Does anyone that climbs here regularly know if this would hamper any efforts we make at climbing or would we be able to have a good time?

Ryan Kelly · · work. · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 2,960

It's hard to predict the weather in Jtree. I usually don't worry about rain unless the forecast is predicting at least a 70% chance. The length of the storm can usually offer a bit of a hint too... if it's just a one or two day storm that's a week away they usually fizzle by that time. That said, it's been a weird year, and I've been hit with rain more times in the last year than all my other experiences combined.

Roots · · Wherever I am · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 20

It depends if you like climbing in the (cold) rain. I've done it a few times but only because...it was raining!

It's only Monday - keep checking weather forecast as it will surely change as the weekend gets closer.

Justin Tomlinson · · Monrovia, CA · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 270

I am going this weekend. I reserved two sites in Blackrock and have several friends joining me.

The last time rain was expected in Josh the park was empty. I couldn't get any friends to join me so I sent solo, intending to just enjoy the park and scout routes. Of course I brought gear in case I met anyone. Scouting in RHV, I saw no one was on Sail Away. Went to the car, grabbed gear, climbed 5.6 around the side (piggy-backing big chocks), rapped and TR-soloed the route with a prusik. Met some climbers and jumped on another good route. Great day, beautiful weather, no rain. Rain hit on the drive home.

With all that said, its worth the trip, to me. Although, I am expecting it to be very cold this weekend, rain or not.

Steve Powell · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2002 · Points: 915

it snowed last saturday in Josh. I went out sunday, and the rocks were dry. Supposed to have snow again this weekend. I also have a campsite reserved at Blackrock, but am thinking of Bailing.
It is supposed to be colder this weekend.

Chris D · · the couch · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 2,230

Getting rained out at JT doesn't have to be a bummer. If you're into photography at all, the place is one of the most incredible locales I've ever been with a camera in the rain or snow. Sometimes, if the weather promises to be bad, I'll make a special trip out there just to take pictures. Occasionally I'll catch a shot like this:



Bring your rope and rack though...the promise of bad weather means that the lines you'd normally find at moderate classics will be short or non-existent.
Will S · · Joshua Tree · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 1,061

Wait until Sunday, plan on climbing in the sun in a wind sheltered area.

Fat Dad · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 60

This is a slightly different situation that the extended rain that's been forecast but I was out at Star Wars Rock when there was a sudden, real violent downpour. It was amazing to see the amount of water pouring off the rock, funnelling down cracks in such a short period of time.

We just hung out under a large boulder for a half hour or so, listening to all the water running, until it stopped, waited about 15 mins. for the sun to come out and started climbing again. It was humid, but except deep inside cracks, the rock didn't feel wet.

Rick Shull · · Arcata, CA & Dyer,NV · Joined Sep 2006 · Points: 3,015

The NWS is calling for snow. It looks like there could be several inches by Sunday morning with a high around 40.

Roots · · Wherever I am · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 20

.......Yeah, I'll be out there bouldering instead of trad. For this weekend, I like the idea of easily warming my hands whenever I want to.

Guy Keesee · · Moorpark, CA · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 349

You will miss out on a lot of climbing if you listen to weather reports.

Chris D. ..... really really cool shot.

Tyler Wick · · Bishop, CA · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 200

I heard they close the gate if there is snow.. Any truth to that? I'm headed that way tomorrow morning.

Roots · · Wherever I am · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 20

Sunday was a great day out there - hope some of you "braved" the forecast and made it.

Adam Stackhouse · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 13,970

Nice photo Chris

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern California
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