How hot is too hot for Stone?

I want to do the Great Arch before it gets too warm - Easter weekend's looking good. Are temps in the 60s too hot for Stone?

Should be fine. It will be a little warm, maybe start early to maximize the cooler temps if it seems warm to you. It will definitely be toasty up there in the afternoon if the sun is out.

Don't maybe get an early start, definately get an early start. No so much for the temps but the s##t show that will surely develop on the Arch on a holiday weekend. I have climbed it countless times and have seen quite a mess of humanity working their way up that route, many that have no business up there. Be the first on the approach pitch, Block Route or U-Slot, and the first to the tree ledge. If the conga line has already queued up on one of them be prepared to climb the other. Temps in the 60's will be fine, but you dont want to get stuck behind slow parties even so.

I've been on it in 60's through 90's. 60 degrees is much better. Shoes will grip very well and it's a moderate slab with awesome pro....you don't need ideal conditions for that one at all.

or climb one of the true slab routes like Yardarm or a slightly less congested, but well protected option like the Prophet. Never understood why so many people only climb Great Arch and NA at Stone, they are not typical for the mountain and the slab routes are where the real fun is. I've been there when there are lines for those two and you have your pick of any other route on the cliff.

Brian Payst wrote:or climb one of the true slab routes like Yardarm or a slightly less congested, but well protected option like the Prophet. Never understood why so many people only climb Great Arch and NA at Stone, they are not typical for the mountain and the slab routes are where the real fun is. I've been there when there are lines for those two and you have your pick of any other route on the cliff.

Yes. Pulpit. Got my religious references confused. A good route by either name. Thanks for the note about the award. Certainly didn't do everything the CCC has done by myself, so that is shared with everyone who has volunteered and supported climbing in the Carolinas.