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Thanksgiving Conditions at Penitente?

Original Post
JCM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 115

I'm planning a possible Thanksgiving trip to Penitente (decided to avoid the Indian Creek Thanksgiving circus), and am wondering a bit about the climate/conditions down there. It's been about 10 years since I've been to Penitente, and that was in a warmer month, so I'd like to know what to expect at this time of year.

I know the climate/conditions at Shelf decently well, so lets use that as a yardstick. Are temperatures at Penitente comparable to Shelf, or is Pentitente usually colder. If so, by how much? If I recall correctly, the elevation at Penitente is higher than Shelf.

Also, what is the aspect and sun exposure of the main walls at Penitente? We are most interested in the routes in the Bullet the Blue Sky, A Virgin No More, etc. area. Do these get good all day or part-day sun? Alternatively, is there a shady zone to seek out if it turns out to be unusually warm?

Lastly, does it get windy in the canyon, or is it decently sheltered.

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

other than cold, which in SLV is relative, conditions are really good. daytime in the 50's range with full sun. You won't get afull day but the sun is out.
The storm of last week was nothing other than wind, minimal moisture.

i was in Del Norte today and it was very nice.

JCM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 115

Sun exposure of cliffs mentioned? Do they get sun for most of the day?

kboofis · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 20

Yeah you'll find some climbs in the sun throughout the day. The low temps during the night will probably be colder than shelf but not by a ton

BGreen · · Del Norte, CO · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 0

Those routes should have sun late morning until about 3pm. I doubt you will be looking for shade this time of year. Rock garden has some nice sun exposure as well. Have fun!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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