Arkansas Guidebooks

I noticed that there was a guidebook to Arkansas published in 2008 by Clay Frisbie and then one published in 2009 by Cole Fennel. I was wondering which was better, or what the differences were between the 2 books, areas covered, etc. Was one derived from the other?

Frisbie's book is a bit older than Fennel's. (I think it may have be reprinted in 2008?). Fennel's book is much larger and covers more areas. It also includes select bouldering at HCR, Cowell and a few other select areas. Word is there's a bouldering book in the works that's being done this fall. Hopefully, that will be available next summer/fall.

While Clay's book is definitely a good resource (especially for the Sam's Throne areas), I would strongly recommend Cole's book. Cole's book is a little more up-to-date with the routes, and has more areas in it, most notably Horseshoe Canyon Ranch (which was not included in Clay's book; there was a separate Horseshoe guide before this new book). Cole's book also has color pictures (Clay's doesn't) and spot-on directions, along with more bouldering. Unless you were just planning on visiting the stuff in the Sam's Throne area, I would get Cole's book. And even if you were just staying around Sam's, I'd probably still rather have Cole's book. Just my two cents - they are both quality guide books.

Thanks for the info, it sounds like there is a lot of good climbing down there. What are conditions like during winter and spring?

Can be somewhat hit or miss those times. You can have awesome, near perfect weather, or not be able to climb at all.

Winter - We get plenty of nice sunny days, and it is not too uncommon to get up in the 50's still (sometimes even warmer). At the right crags, 50's and sunny feels awesome (I think). Some good places in the winter are the North 40 at Horseshoe, Cave Creek, parts of Sam's Throne (whatever is getting sun) and Mount Magazine. And if it is too cold for you to rope up, you can always still boulder (depending on how cold you are willing to climb, of course).

Spring - You can get some really great weather, but spring is also the rainy season here. I know this past spring that it seemed like some routes were just perpetually wet. However, there is certainly still plenty of good climbing weather to be had here in the spring, but the rain doesn't always cooperate.