Best Rock Climbing Locations during the Winter months

Hi All,

I didn't know where else to put this post/question so I put it in Beginning Climbers even though I am not a beginning climber. Just checking what everyone's opinion is on some of the best locations in the States to climb during the winter months Jan/Feb/March (sport or trad, not ice)? I imagine in the southern states, perhaps southern Utah, Nevada, maybe California, Texas? I have the flexibility to travel a little this winter but looking for some ideas on possible locations. Thanks for your input.

Chris

Go where it's warm and dry. :)

Joshua Tree, Red Rock and Arizona. You'll still have to check the forecast for your specific days, because those can still get cold, but they're some of your best bets.

I've never been to EPC in Mexico, and probably wouldn't go, but I'd imagine its southerly latitude makes for a warm location.

In the glass half full camp, the "off season" usually favors the locals.

FrankPS wrote:Joshua Tree, Red Rock and Arizona.

I'll second this. Some of the stuff in Arizona is still relatively high altitude and can still get cold during winter so be mindful.

You can climb on select days at south facing cliffs in southern Utah in winter but the weather can be real hit or miss as you really need a good sunny day or its too cold. Also, it gets pretty cold at night regardless. Hueco Tanks in Texas and Potrero Chico in Mexico are the other "usual" spots for US destination winter climbing. There are other places to climb in Texas during the winter but I wouldn't consider them destination worthy, certainly not like the other areas discussed.

Chris Oleson wrote:Hi All, I didn't know where else to put this post/question so I put it in Beginning Climbers even though I am not a beginning climber. Just checking what everyone's opinion is on some of the best locations in the States to climb during the winter months Jan/Feb/March (sport or trad, not ice)? I imagine in the southern states, perhaps southern Utah, Nevada, maybe California, Texas? I have the flexibility to travel a little this winter but looking for some ideas on possible locations. Thanks for your input. Chris

My typical winter climbing destinations are St. George, UT, Red Rock, NV, and J-Tree, CA.

Hobo Greg wrote:Two words: Joshua F****G Tree!!

That place can be much colder than more sheltered spots one can find in Southern California. Places that are typically warmer than Josh.

Lone Pine... A-hills
Kern River Canyon.... around Lake Isabella and north of the town of Kernville.
Barstow... New Jack City
Trona... Great Falls Basin
Interstate 10 ... between the south entrance to JT all the way to Blyte... yes you can climb those rocks.
Bishop.... The crown jewel of Southern California Climbing.
Almost everyplace in San Diego County.
Almost everyplace in Ventura and Santa Barbara county.

and Vegas works also and I would guess Hawaii.

I don't get out of state to much or out of country in the winter, but this is from my experience...... and at times JT can be perfect... other times... its much like northern Canada.

Shelf Road Colorado, has the best southern exposure and most consistent climbable weather in the lower 48. Definitely a winter climbing destination for sport climbing.