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Suggestions for climbing near CO Springs this week

Original Post
Mike P · · Saint Louis · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 71

My wife and I will be in Colorado Springs this week and would love to do some climbing.

We haven't had the chance to make it to Elevenmile before, but it looks beautiful. Unfortunately the forecast looks like a fair bit of snow and rain this week. Is Elevenmile worth trying on the day after a rain or snow? If so, are any particular crags likely to be better than others in such conditions?

Also, similar question for climbing at Garden of the Gods or RRCOS: After a day of rain, how long should we plan to wait to allow the rock to dry so we don't risk damaging it?

Thanks to anybody who can provide some info!

LawHous · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 481

Eleven miles rock would probably be ok to climb after all this snow/rain but it will be cold up there this week. The Garden and Red Rocks are definitely out. It will be unpleasant and soggy rock, not to mention a local climber might get upset with you as the sandstone can break easier when it's wet.

Shelf road, near Canon City, is your best bet. It's got solid rock and warmer temps. If you're a trad climber some south platte stuff might be good. Turkey Rocks gets a lot of sun and has good rock as well but isn't the easiest to get to. Devils head has some sun soaked areas as well but may be a bit chilly this week. Tons of stuff just depends how much cold you can stand.

Skullybones · · Desert SW · Joined May 2013 · Points: 46

First of all check out the Climb Weather website or app. I have been a lot happier with their forecast in specific climbing areas. For eleven mile canyon looking into Lake George, CO weather will get you a closer idea.

In regards to the climbing. Lawhous is correct that GOG and redrock are out for a bit. Check out Eleven Mile Dome for a sunny aspect in Eleven Mile Canyon. It is also very convenient climbing just off the road. The snow will melt quick and with any amount of sun the rock dries fast.

Have fun. Give me a shout if you have any specific questions regarding Eleven Mile.

To the COS locals, how is Cheyenne canyon looking for rock climbing right now?

iceman777 · · Colorado Springs · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 60

+1 for law houses advice , I'd the weather changes and you allow a couple days for the rock to dry
The garden or rrcos will be ok , don't forget to stop by the main visitors center for gog to pick up your free climbers permit , failure to do so and getting caught can and has resulted in fines of up to
500.00

Screw the weather websites Current local weather ..... It's fricken snowing !!!! Cheyenne canyon is wet ! Wet snow on everything . Sublimated ice climbs .

Cheers

Mike P · · Saint Louis · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 71

Thanks, guys!

Sounds like a day at Shelf Road and a (cold) day at Elevenmile is likely. Appreciate the information/suggestions.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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