Advice for planning a trip to CO in August/September
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Make sure to hit the Monastery. HERE |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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) |
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I appreciate all the replies and am working on digesting them. Been busy in real life the past few days. 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! |
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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. |
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Best of luck- remember in the Wild wild west, the rocks are tall - if you are thinking single pitch, make sure to be clear. |