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Sunny routes in the Sandias?

Original Post
Ben Gleason · · Durango, CO · Joined Oct 2013 · Points: 61

Heading down there to climb Monday and Tuesday, but we are both unfamiliar with the area. We're hoping to climb Excitable Boys and Mountain Momma. Any locals know how much sun those routes get? It's kind of hard to figure out aspect from the map here. Also, I'd take any recommendations for potentially more enjoyable routes to climb this time of year (preferably in the 9-10 range).

Thanks!

Frank Stein · · Albuquerque, NM · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 205

Mostly afternoon sun. They are both good routes, but it will be chilly up there. Also check out Rawhide, Yucca Flower Tower with Great Escape finish, and Aviary Ort (no sun at all).

Bill Lawry · · Albuquerque, NM · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 1,812

Climbed Excitable Boys last Friday when it was several degrees cooler than it looks to be Mon or Tues; Mon / Tues might be breezier.

Started climbing about 11 AM. P1 and P2 were shadey. Sun came around onto us while belaying P3 lead - when clouds were not in the way. Finger tips got a little numb on shady part of pitch 3 crux. The rest was fine. Had a couple layers on legs and three on top. Was nice to have gloves at belays.

On the hike down, we found a wee bit of hail/snow from weather a couple days earlier. No doubt, quite a bit of it has melted away until the next one.

Ben Gleason · · Durango, CO · Joined Oct 2013 · Points: 61

Hey thanks for the good beta and suggestions, guys.

Cheers!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Arizona & New Mexico
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