Best Late April Bouldering

hi

i'm looking for a bouldering destination for late april very early may, specifically april 25-may3. i would LOVE to go to bishop, but im worried its already to hot at that time.

any suggestions? the only limitations we have are to the US.

thanks!

Late April / Early May is at a bit of a funky turnover period for the bouldering seasons. The winter areas will be getting way too hot, but the summer areas are likely still wet, snowbound, or access-limited (due to snow). As such, you'll need to shoot for the middle; mid-elevation areas in the SW part of the country will be your best bet. A few thoughts:

-The major areas at Bishop will be too hot for good bouldering conditions. People still do climb there (in the shade) at that time of year...it isn't triple digits yet, but certainly not sending temps either. Some of the higher elevation areas will be good, but when you go to Bishop you are really going for the Buttermilks/Happies. I'd say don't go to Bishop. Hueco, J-Tree, Red Rocks, and most of the Southeast will also be getting hot. Joes Valley might be manageable, but definitely a bit on the warm side.

-Don't come to Colorado. The lower elevation areas will be getting kind of warm, while the higher elevations will still have snow. The best bouldering--the really destination-quality stuff- is at the higher elevations. You can make it work, by walking through some snow at the higher areas, or finding shade at middle-elevations, but it probably isn't the best choice for your trip; there are better options out there.

-That would probably be a good time for a trip to Yosemite Valley. Weather/temps should be good, and it is before the tourist hordes set in for the summer. Although Yosemite bouldering is sometime overlooked (because people get distracted by the bigger pieces of stone), it would be a great destination.

- Tahoe might also be a good option. Insane amounts of bouldering have been developed there recently. A lot of stuff is snowy still in late April in most years, but this is not most years. Considering how little snowpack they've gotten in CA this winter, many of the Tahoe areas will probably be dry, and temps should be good. Hopefully someone with better local knowledge will weigh in.

- Flagstaff area could be good at that time of year. I'm not too familiar with the area though, so that's all I'll say.

- Leavenworth?

-Maybe some of the higher elevation areas around Boone, NC?

thanks a lot for the info.

i know not an ideal time, but only time i can get off from work.

we were thinking about going out to moes valley and red rocks. we were debating on going down south to stone fort/rocktown or out to red rocks, figuring we'd have to deal with humity and bugs or heat.

we went out last November to red rocks and i've been dieing to get out there again to finish some projects, but would also like to try somewhere new.

i'll def. look into some of your suggestions!

497lx6 wrote:thanks a lot for the info. i know not an ideal time, but only time i can get off from work. we were thinking about going out to moes valley and red rocks. we were debating on going down south to stone fort/rocktown or out to red rocks, figuring we'd have to deal with humity and bugs or heat. we went out last November to red rocks and i've been dieing to get out there again to finish some projects, but would also like to try somewhere new. i'll def. look into some of your suggestions!

I spent time at Joes that time last year. The temperatures were perfect. I'd recommend it.

Yeah, Joe's will likely be warm-ish in terms of ambient temps, but there are some good shade options, a nice river to swim in, and a few higher-elevation areas that are cooler, so you could find pleasant conditions. For sure a better option than Red Rocks, Moe's, or Rocktown.

thanks everyone! i think we can to a decision.. between tahoe and joes picked joes

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