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Advice for planning a trip to CO in August/September

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Andrew V · · Denver CO · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 0

My wife and I are looking into planning a trip to Colorado in August/September time frame. Neither of us have spent much time in CO and aren't sure on the best places climb (sport and bouldering) and spend time during August/September. We think we've narrowed down the choices to Denver and Boulder, hoping to split some time between the city and crags.

Any suggestions on must visit crags or the best location(s) (and guidebooks) to set up base to make the most out of our short time in CO which will probably end up being one to one and a half weeks?

Sagar Gondalia · · Golden · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 5

Clear creek canyon is just west of Golden (about 20-30 min west of Denver proper), so that affords you a nice compromise of excellent sport climbing access and city access.

J. Broussard · · CordryCorner · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 50

It's usually really hot in August. Things keep cool enough in Clear Creek, but you should also have Golden Gate State Park on your list in case it's squelching. GGSP is still very close to Denver/Golden but is at higher elevation, keeping things much cooler.

Tony B · · Around Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 24,665

FYI - if the Denver/Boulder thing is really a concern, realize that they are more or less the same. It's only 30-40 min to get from one to the other, and the crags are more or less the same distance (on average) from either. Find a place you like in either and you'll work it out. Golden and Lafayette, Lousiville, or Longmont (Boulder Burbs) are also reasonable alternatives.

Also - what grades are you climbing? The sport Climbing up at Empire is pretty good, cooler than down here, and multi-pitch. Check out Ra and the Halidome here on the site, if you are cool on mid 5.11 that should be a considerable crag.

Andrew V · · Denver CO · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 0

Out of curiosity what is really hot? I was under the impression Colorado is solid for summer climbing. If it isn't a great option we can always go a better time of year and end up somewhere else this summer.

I noticed the two cities are fairly close, but I didn't know if one would be more convenient than another because time is a factor.

She will probably focus on climbing 5.9 to 5.10-, I'll probably hop on some 5.11+ and maybe a 12-. Bouldering wise up to v4/v5.

I've never climbed a multipitch route, so I think that might be out.

Thanks for all the help!

teece303 · · Highlands Ranch, CO · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 596

Tolerances for heat vary, but the Front Range usually sees temperatures in the low 80s to high 90s, but with low-ish humidity. The sunshine can be reasonably intense.

I climb all the time in this timeframe, I just chase the shade. If you drink plenty and use a lot of sunscreen, even the sun is fine, if hot, but I'd avoid long multi-pitch in the sun.

dan zika · · jax wy · Joined May 2009 · Points: 5

If it was me I would want to go climb in the mtns that time monsoon can be a drag but its cooler upthere & free camping vs front range which is urban.
Haus rock, royal arches, lime creek, rifle, lumpy, monastary, its almost a no brainer & I climb yearround in CCC & it gets hot! Lotsa rock out west

Andy Novak · · Bailey, CO · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 370

Make sure to hit the Monastery. HERE

Really excellent sport climbing in a classic Colorado setting, and you can car camp nearby or at the crag (about 45 min approach). You can also easily access it from Boulder or from Ft. Collins for the day. Make sure you go for a long day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, or hike/climb Longs Peak!

It does get hot below 7,000 feet but you'll manage. Have fun.

Bryan Gall · · New Castle, CO · Joined Sep 2002 · Points: 260

Consider the western slope instead of the front range. Stay in Glenwood Springs, visit Aspen, climb Rifle, Independence pass, maybe Lime Park. Soak in the hot springs. Do a whitewater rafting tour. There's a reason everyone in the Denver area comes over the hill every weekend.

The Blueprint Part Dank · · FEMA Region VIII · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 460
Bryan Gall wrote:Consider the western slope instead of the front range. Stay in Glenwood Springs, visit Aspen, climb Rifle, Independence pass, maybe Lime Park. Soak in the hot springs. Do a whitewater rafting tour. There's a reason everyone in the Denver area comes over the hill every weekend.
+1 it's really hot on the front range in August, Indepemdence Pass would be a lot more comfortable.
Ryan Williams · · London (sort of) · Joined May 2009 · Points: 1,245
Bryan Gall wrote:Consider the western slope instead of the front range. Stay in Glenwood Springs, visit Aspen, climb Rifle, Independence pass, maybe Lime Park. Soak in the hot springs. Do a whitewater rafting tour. There's a reason everyone in the Denver area comes over the hill every weekend.
+2. The western slope is a much better destination IMO. Of course I haven't done much sport climbing over there, but I know there is good stuff. And the Front Range can be a drag in summer. Lots of heat and storms, although not nearly as hot as TX or as humid as say NC, where I grew up climbing.
JCM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 115
Ryan Williams wrote: +2. The western slope is a much better destination IMO. Of course I haven't done much sport climbing over there, but I know there is good stuff. And the Front Range can be a drag in summer. Lots of heat and storms, although not nearly as hot as TX or as humid as say NC, where I grew up climbing.
+3. The Front Range crags are generally more famous simply because they are close to the cities in which most of the state's population (including most of the climbers) lives. Most of these crags are not, however, particularly notable as destinations. They are great for locals, and worthwhile if passing through. However, if you are planning a big trip from out of state, there are better places to visit than the Front Range. Certain crags on the Western Slope (like Indy Pass) will offer better climbing, better scenery, better summer temps, better camping options, and a more natural experience. Many of the Front Range crags suffer from crowds and traffic noise, due to proximity to the city and to busy roads; this is less an issue the further west you go. Also consider Utah (Uinta, Maple) and Wyoming (Tensleep, Wild Iris) for better summer climbing than that found in the Front Range.

If you do visit the Front Range, plan a trip to Devil's Head. It is top-notch for Front Range summer climbing, with lots of good routes in you grade ranges, good summer time temps (high elevation) and good scenery. It is a bit of a drive from the cities (over an hour), so it would probably be best to camp up there.

Also, since you mention that you can potentially visit at another time of year, late September into October would be a better time to visit Boulder/Denver than August. Nicer temperatures and much lower chance of thunderstorms.
A.Greg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2014 · Points: 0

If you deal with the Texas summers you will be fine. It feels amazing there if you are from the south. The main reason being it's about 4 times less humid and not as hot. The sun is a lot more intense but that's only a problem if your roasting on a multipitch. Just chase the shad while cragging.

Just keep in mind how spoiled front range locals are. They have climbing from about 5000-13000 feet all within a few hours so they can run from the heat pretty easily.

I've climbed a lot of long routes in eldo during July/August in the direct sun and had a great time. You'll be fine. It's prime there compared to 95 degrees and 100 percent humidity of the south.

The Blueprint Part Dank · · FEMA Region VIII · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 460
A.G. wrote: Just keep in mind how spoiled front range locals are. They have climbing from about 5000-13000 feet all within a few hours so they can run from the heat pretty easily. I've climbed a lot of long routes in eldo during July/August in the direct sun and had a great time. You'll be fine. It's prime there compared to 95 degrees and 100 percent humidity of the south.
Absolutely, we are pretty spoiled, however, if it was me going on vacation, I'd want the most enjoyable possible experience, and they're going to get that up at a higher elevation. Hence Independence Pass. Yeah, you can climb in Eldo on a 95 degree day, but it's a hell of a lot less fun than climbing in 75 degree weather higher up.
Tony B · · Around Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 24,665
Andrew V wrote: I've never climbed a multipitch route, so I think that might be out.
I'm surprised that nobody is talking about this. Everyone keeps saying that Eldo will be too hot to be primo. But that's a forest/trees argument to me at this point. If you are not climbing Multi-pitch, then Eldo is really not the best place. Very few of the single pitch climbs in the level you are looking for are really that great. I'd say that Eldo just has less to offer. It's primarily a trad multi-pitch area!
I'd reconsider the other suggestions at this point if I am understanding correctly.
Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
A.G. wrote:If you deal with the Texas summers you will be fine. It feels amazing there if you are from the south. The main reason being it's about 4 times less humid and not as hot. The sun is a lot more intense but that's only a problem if your roasting on a multipitch. Just chase the shad while cragging. Just keep in mind how spoiled front range locals are. They have climbing from about 5000-13000 feet all within a few hours so they can run from the heat pretty easily. I've climbed a lot of long routes in eldo during July/August in the direct sun and had a great time. You'll be fine. It's prime there compared to 95 degrees and 100 percent humidity of the south.
Lack of humidity is huge, but the rocks at 5k+ feet soak up that sun, and turn into ovens. I'd say it's not really the heat per say, but the sun that is the major factor. And of course if I had my choice of getting sunbaked, having my hands and feet grease off holds etc. or go up to the higher country next to a river / shade...

But I hate the heat. :o)
Andrew V · · Denver CO · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 0

I appreciate all the replies and am working on digesting them. Been busy in real life the past few days.

The Western slope does sound like a great idea.

Tony B wrote: I'm surprised that nobody is talking about this. Everyone keeps saying that Eldo will be too hot to be primo. But that's a forest/trees argument to me at this point. If you are not climbing Multi-pitch, then Eldo is really not the best place. Very few of the single pitch climbs in the level you are looking for are really that great. I'd say that Eldo just has less to offer. It's primarily a trad multi-pitch area! I'd reconsider the other suggestions at this point if I am understanding correctly.
Unless we decide to get a guide, we won't be ready for a multipitch - so that is out.

Again thanks!
Phil Berggren · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 35

Devils Head is excellent advice...good camping, sport, and doable multipitch sport. 9700' so cooler than down below. Be ready to drive on some washboard for 15 miles or so. Dirtbike types will also be in the area. Monastery is also good advice. Very good is Independence Pass..good camping, multiple crags, alpine setting. Monitor Rock on the east side above Twin Lakes. Taylor Canyon between Gunnison and Crested Butte. Granite trad with old school grades...and the dispensaries in CB are good folks with reasonable prices, unlike that Roaring Fork Valley/Aspen area. If you're used to crowds, dogs, and etc., you'll like the Front Range.

Tony B · · Around Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 24,665

Best of luck- remember in the Wild wild west, the rocks are tall - if you are thinking single pitch, make sure to be clear.
PS - plenty of climbing in Upper Boulder Canyon if you do end up on the Frunk Range, and plenty in the SSV.

Use the advanced search on MP.com to look for 304* routes of single pitch in CO and see what turns out. You can sort by area.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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