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mcernie
Dec 16, 2005, 7:50 PM
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looking to take a trip to colorado the week between christmas and new years, and was wondering if any areas offer good bolt clipping during the winter? would like to stay near the denver/boulder area if possible, but shelf road wouldn't be out of the question. any information/advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks!
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jaybird2
Dec 16, 2005, 8:09 PM
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Super close to you will be the Golden Area:
Clear Creek Canyon
-Canyon runs East/West, so the north side is basking in the sun. There are a bunch of long single pitch routes here and some great 2-3 pitch ones.
North Table Mountain
-A south-facing cliff with some 200 routes. All single pitch ranging from 30 to 80 feet.
PM me for specifics. This used to be my playground in college, I have been on just about every route up there below 12b.
If you are willing to drive a little ways there is a ton more obviously, but this is about as close to denver as it gets and if you get a slightly warm day you will be climbing in a t-shirt. If you are up in boulder though, get some beta on boulder canyon. Sorry, only climbed the trad up there.
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cowpoke
Dec 16, 2005, 8:17 PM
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I'll second the n.table suggestion, but I think shelf is your best bet for sunny, warm temps.
edit: I also meant to suggest red rock canyon in the springs...
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el_capitan
Dec 16, 2005, 8:40 PM
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north table top. in the sun all day.
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zozo
Dec 16, 2005, 9:05 PM
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Make the drive to shelf. It will be well worth it.
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cdb1386
Dec 16, 2005, 9:53 PM
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get up early and drive to Shelf for the day and stay in the sun
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shorty
Dec 16, 2005, 10:28 PM
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New years isn't exactly the prime climbing season for Colorado, but if you get a warm, sunny, and low-wind day, it can be quite enjoyable. However, if our recent weather patterns continue (cold, windy, and frequently cloudy), you might think about bringing ski boots instead of climbing shoes. Your climbing options might include:
Shelf Road -- It's a good 2-hour drive from Denver, but still among the best sport climbing we have. Shelf offers a number of canyons and cliff exposures to increase your chances of decent climbing.
Table Mountain -- It does face south, but many routes can exposed to winds.
Clear Creek Canyon -- South facing crags include Highlander and Dog House.
Boulder Canyon -- There are a number of smaller, south-facing crags which can keep you entertained for a day. These include Bihedral/Riviera, Solar Dome, Animal World, Plotinus, & Happy Hour/Security Risk.
I don't have much experience with the canyons north of Boulder, but maybe someone has some knowledge of Poudre Canyon.
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mcernie
Dec 17, 2005, 1:11 AM
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thanks for all the info so far. shelf sounds pretty good, but which walls stay in the sun? i've been there once, during late spring/early summer, and only hit the cactus rose wall and the back to the future wall.
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