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winter destinations

Original Post
fluff head · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 65

I have a few weeks in between responsibilities around New Year's and am looking to spend some time climbing in one place, or two very close places. Ideally, it would be:

-warm enough/decent enough weather to climb ~75% of the time (+45 degrees) ((I know weather varies, but I'm referring more to historical weather conditions))
-have a decent amount of weekday climbing partner potential
-have enough climbing to avoid crowds on weekends
-have a decent amount of trad from 5.7-5.11
-have camping close to climbing and a decent amount of bouldering

Not worried about cost or overnight temps. Can be anywhere in US. My immediate thought was Joshua Tree and I'm not opposed to revisiting there, but I was curious if someone had some suggestions/recs that weren't on my radar already.

Thanks!

Manny Rangel · · PAYSON · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 4,789

Southern Arizona has Mt. Lemmon and Cochise Stronghold. Mt. Lemmon has more possibilities for partners but you could search for partners easily at Cochise on this site. Lots of folks advertising for partners here.

Joe Prescott · · Berlin Germany · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 6

St George, UT.

Patrick M · · Greely Hill, CA · Joined Jul 2015 · Points: 10

Check out the Southeast

sarcasm · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2010 · Points: 445

J-tree Red Rock combo is my annual winter escape.

rocknice2 · · Montreal, QC · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 3,847
fluff head wrote:-have a decent amount of weekday climbing partner potential
That's the kicker !! There are lots of places to climb but not many that have a full campground in winter. I can attest to Mt Lemmon and Cochise are great places to climb trad and sport but good luck finding weekday partners in the winter.

I have gone through this numerous times, every Christmas.
What I have found the a formula for finding a destination to go alone.

1: A world class climbing spot. A great climbing destination guarantees a large amount of climbers.
2: A central camping location or one that is highly favored by climbers. This focuses most of the climbers into one location and makes it easier to find a partner.
3: The proper season or the destination. The higher 1&2 score the more out of season you can plan a trip but there is a limit. ie the Gunks are tops in 1&2 but good luck finding a partner in January.

So in North America there are really only two great places to go on a solo trip in the middle of winter. J-Tree and Potrero Chico. Vegas is world class that's for sure but there are not enough climbers in the campground mid winter to insure you'll find a partner. Lots of climbers stay in motels/hotels when its cold. The southeast has weather and partner issues.

If you have a partner there are tons of places to go.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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