St. George in February

Got about ten days off from February 6 to February 16. Where would be the best place for sport around the St. George area at that time of year? I would prefer not to climb at the VRG because of the setting and the fact that I've been there before. But if it's the best option then okay. Looking for routes in the hard 12/easy 13 range.

Not sure what the VRG is but Snow Canyon has some nice routes.

vrg

tom-

if its real cold: turtle wall & chuckawalla (handful of good .12d-13b, ealy/late sun options-sandstone)
if its > 35/40 degrees: woodbury road crags (a large selection of .12+ and up, early sun-limestone)

its possible to chase the sun around at woodbury, but it can be pretty f'n cold.

Was just at the Zen Wall last weekend. Fun climbing with grades ranging from 10-13s. They were calling for a high of 50 in St. George, but the wall got to about 70. Not a bad wall to spend a couple of days.

I thought that kelly's rock and the Black and Tan wall were pretty good, right next to each other, as well as another area. Really quality limestone, definitely some climbs in those grades. Worth a day of climbing.

It is never to cold in St. George in case you are not familiar with our weather. We climbed Sunlight Buttress (of 50 Favorite Climbs notoriety) yesterday in Zion which is at a much higher elevation. Air temp could be 30 (which it was yesterday up there), but with the sun it does not matter, at Chuckawalla, Zen (the warmest spot in afternoon), whatever.

St. George Rock

Most of the good limestone routes in Utah Hills are not south facing, particularly at the grade you are looking for. I would stick to St. George proper, from VRG to the Underworld (think mini Indian Creek).

Good Luck.

What's up Tom, how's Lander? Cold I bet.

St George should be very climbable that time of year...pretty much prime. The best stuff is the limestone. The VRG is usually the best bet in cold weather because it is the lowest elevation, however, it gets very windy in there, and no sun. Black & Tan and Kelly's Rock (Woodbury Road crags) are the next warmest option, being only slightly higher elevation. B & T gets morning sun, Kelly's is mostly in the shade. These routes are short and powerful, and can be sharp (especially compared to what you guys have). These are two of my all time favorite crags because the rock is perfect, and it's in a cool setting...barren desert with Joshua Trees and Desert Tortoise's. If it's warm enough, Gorilla Cliffs and the Cathedral are super good, but much higher elevation with little or no sun, so generally colder. Those cliffs have longer routes, and more variety.

It should be warm enough in Feb to climb at these crags in the shade and have perfect sending temps. If it does get really cold, there are many sunny crags in and around St George, but they tend to be on inferior rock. Chuckawalla (sandstone) and Black Rocks (basalt), among others, get plenty of sun and would be sure bets almost any day. They don't have "destination" quality hard routes, but they are fun to climb on.

Does anyone know if the roads into the Utah Hills and Cathedral/Wailing wall are passable? The rains in December caused major flooding and road damage in that area. Any input from locals who have driven in would be helpful. Also, I am curious if the roads to the Grail (near Mesquite) may be washed out as well due to the December flooding.

Yes, highway 91 is open. The road to black and tan has been graded and is fine. The road to the cathedral is also good. Grail is good. The road to gorilla,simian is gone, expect to hike 20 - 30+ min to gorilla and much more for diamond or soul asylum.