Winter Destinations in a 10 hour driving radius from Denver

Looking for a Bouldering/Sport climbing destination that is not the Hueco Tanks, and is within 10 hour drive from Denver. I am looking to go in late december or early january. I've seen some of the other threads, and it seems Red Rocks and J tree are the place to be, but that's just a bit too far for my timeline and budget. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

Big Bend Utah is killer. Great bouldering and it's right outside of Moab. I think it's about 6-7 hours away with camping right across from the boulders. Summer cloths for the days and winter cloths for the night. Bring wood!!

I presume you've been to Shelf . . . it can be 20 degrees, but if there's sun - you'll be in a t-shirt. Also, I climbed every week of the winter of 1996 in the San Luis Valley and it was typically extraordinary in the sun. Sometimes minus something in the shade, though. Anyway, some great sport climbing and endless bouldering there (as recently featured in Gripped?).

Vegas is just a bit over 10 hours away. Phoenix is also close to/within range. Just curious . . . why not Hueco? I've never been and am thinking of heading down this winter.

-John

Said, great Hueco bouldering picture! Looks like you know the Hueco area. But just in case, there is a great limestone area called The Tunnel. It's near Alamogordo, about 100 miles closer to Denver than the Tanks.

mountainproject.com/v/new_m…

I love Rifle, but this rock was almost more fun and super warm.

"Vegas is just a bit over 10 hours away. Phoenix is also close to/within range. Just curious . . . why not Hueco? I've never been and am thinking of heading down this winter.

-John"

I've been bouldering at the Hueco Tanks for the last 4 Christmas seasons, and aside from the great bouldering, the costs, bearaucracy, and general ego fest found at Rob's Rock Ranch are too overwhelming for me this year. If you have never experienced it, It is well worth it, and if you know someone with land nearby, or can stay in the park life is much grander. (especially if you're trying to get on volunteer tours)

Thanks for the suggestions, I've been leaning towards Shelf, but was curious what other destinations people have in mind. Particularly obscure diamond in the rough destinations.

If you're driving 10hrs do another 7 and goto J tree.. Well worth the drive..

Said, what up man. Long time no see.

I have to second shelf road. I think Shelf Road is actually better in the winter... You won't have to stand in line as long to climb the choss. Plus, if the weather turns crappy, you didn't spend 10hrs + gas to get there.

CK

I was actually at the tunnel over Thanksgiving, we were visiting family in Ruidoso. If you climb 5.12 or harder this place is great. If not its not so good. We froze ours butts off on the shady side, though it was a cloudy cold day. In my opinion go to Shelf over the tunnel, though the tunnel is kind of a diamond in the rough.

S.

Agent Chumley wrote: Vegas is just a bit over 10 hours away. Phoenix is also close to/within range.

And Mesquite is an hour closer, making it within your range...

Joe's Valley or Triassic (both in Utah) have tons of bouldering. I'll also second what someone else said about the Big Bend boulders in Moab. Sweet area!

-Tristan

Tony Bubb wrote: And Mesquite is an hour closer, making it within your range...

+1

Chris Kidwell wrote:Said, what up man. Long time no see. I have to second shelf road. I think Shelf Road is actually better in the winter... You won't have to stand in line as long to climb the choss. Plus, if the weather turns crappy, you didn't spend 10hrs + gas to get there. CK

+2

St. George, Utah is about 10 hours away. I stopped in there on the way to Red Rocks about 6 years ago and there were a lot of bolted routes. Fairly warm and sunny in the winter. Lots of small sandstone crags, and I've heard there is a limestone area near by but I've never been to it.

St George. I'm heading there Monday. It's roughly 9 and a half hours or so. Amazing limestone...the cathedral/wailing wall area is MINT. Kind of cold at night...but perfect in the day. Also good sandstone closer to town too...and Moes valley is 2 miles out of town, also rad climbing. And...if it get too cold, drive an hour further (11 hours i know...but come on, it's an hour)...and go to the VRG. IF you can get past the road noise...you will not be disappointed.

Said! How's about we go to Bishop and visit Emilia?

move to san diego, and visit denver....;)

Right now Mike B and I are debating Red Rocks and Shelf Road...I don't think I can swing Bishop until I have a real Job...But you should come with us. call me.

Organ mountains outside of Las Cruses NM, if you don't mind hiking a little that is.

I would go to Last Chance Canyon, NM. Some climbing similar to Shelf, but also some really good steep stuff. It's close to Hueco if you still feel the need for a bouldering fix.

If you ever get to ride shotgun in Tzilla's Mitsu, you'll know that the Gunks are within a 10 hour drive for him.

Sinks Canyon, outside Lander, WY, can be really good if the sun is shining. Cold place to stay at night unless you get a hotel room though.