Red Rocks vs. J tree in january w/ no car

looking to go to either Joshua tree or Red Rocks from January 1st to january 13th.  I am 18 so I cannot rent a car (nor can I afford it).  Given the weather and the logistics for each area (and of course the climbing) which would be a better option. I love multipitch trad but I will sport climb or boulder too. Also, if anyone would be looking to meet up for any part of that time let me know.

Thanks!

J Tree. Climbing in Red Rocks would require a car or a ride. The one-way scenic loop is 13 miles long and that does not include the couple of miles needed to get to the park from the campground.

Well, they both require a car to some extent. I guess in Jtree you can hitch a ride in and then if you just climb in the hidden valley/real hidden valley areas you could just walk around once you're in there.

I think either way you'll have a much better time if you can find someone with a car to climb with who can also drive you around.

JTree is super easy without a car. Your only issue will be getting to the park, and then back to an airport. Even this is absolutely doable.

Once you're in the park, you'll likely be able to get a ride to/from town for supplies with partners you pick up. If not, it is still a very easy and very quick hitch into town and then back into the park. You'll love JTree.

A minor note, but for JTree you will need to bring in your own water, so come in with plenty of jugs! Don't want to be stuck in JTree without a car and without water...

buy a cheap car?

I can't speak to JTree, but I don't think I'd try Red Rock without a car unless I had rides pre-arranged for every day I planned to be climbing.

Good Ole USA.  Turn 18 and we'll call you an adult.  If you screw up we'll gladly throw you in jail because you are mature enough to understand what you are doing.   We'll trust you with tanks and rocket launchers and grenades.  You can buy pornography and cigarettes, but want a beer?  Sorry you'll haven't to wait, your not mature enough.  And forget about renting a car...

Can you say schizophrenic?

Stagg54 Taggart wrote:

Good Ole USA.  Turn 18 and we'll call you an adult.  If you screw up we'll gladly throw you in jail because you are mature enough to understand what you are doing.   We'll trust you with tanks and rocket launchers and grenades.  You can buy pornography and cigarettes, but want a beer?  Sorry you'll haven't to wait, your not mature enough.  And forget about renting a car...

Can you say schizophrenic?

No, that's not completely off-topic. Not at all. Why would this be considered a total digression? No reason that I can see.

I’ve done red rocks without a car. Kinda a pain in the ass, but I climbed everyday because everyone I climbed with came there with a car. 

J tree would be easier without a car or partners, however J tree can get REALLY cold and it's hard to plan with that.  Red rocks can get cold, but definitely not as bad and usually around new years is perfect climbing weather at Red Rocks.  Since it's a couple months away, try to hook up with a partner with a car and aim for red rocks?

Thanks for all the advice everyone and it sounds like Jtree will definitely be the spot.  Any suggestions of what campsites/ areas to stay? Stay in one area the whole time or change locations a few times?  Beta on getting food/water? places I've heard mentioned are Indian cove, hidden valley and nomads.

All the campsites in the main part of the park are walk-in only.  No water in the park and be sure to get pizza at pie for the people!

Car is a big deal in RR.
So is the fact that the temps are far less reliable.
J-tree hands down.  I used to do it every winter.
I drove past RR on the way there and back and when things were good in RR I'd stop there for a day on the way there/back.
But that was rare.

PS_ Indian Cove is considerably warmer than the interior campgrounds, but the climbing opportunity is less diverse/numerous and finding partenrs not so easy.
Stay in Hidden Valley or Ryan/Jumbo if need be.  The partners will mostly be in Hidden Valley.

Adam Gellman wrote:

Thanks for all the advice everyone and it sounds like Jtree will definitely be the spot.  Any suggestions of what campsites/ areas to stay? Stay in one area the whole time or change locations a few times?  Beta on getting food/water? places I've heard mentioned are Indian cove, hidden valley and nomads.

Camp at Hidden Valley the whole time. This is climbing central and where you will find partners. Town is nearby for food/water. You will fly into either LAX or Palm Springs. Palm Springs is closer, but flights can be more expensive. If you have to hire a driver (Uber or the like), then Palm Springs is probably worthwhile. Alternately, fly into LAX on a Friday and start posting on MP that you're looking for a ride from LA to JTree on such and such a date and will pay for gas. That will likely work. On your way back, aim to fly out either late Sunday or early Monday, and you will likely have no trouble getting a ride.