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burz
May 22, 2003, 1:39 PM
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I was thinking of heading up to the Sam's Throne Area from Houston in July. What is the weather like that time of year? I know the days will be hot but does it cool off at night? I'm not sure what the elevation is up there, is it in the mountains? Also, has any one driven there from Houston? Taking Interstates looks like it would be kind out of the way, but taking the smaller roads its only about 550 miles. Also, where's the best place to camp. Thanks for the help.
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dave1970
May 22, 2003, 2:26 PM
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I would say hot and very humid. However, since you are from houston it will seem arid by comparison. If you go in early july, it won't be so bad. It is over 2000 feet elevation and is measurably much cooler than one might think.
I would take 59 north from houston until you reach I-30. Then head east until you come to state hwy 7. Go north on hwy 7. As for camping, the throne is very nice, but totally primitive. It seems most people like to camp at horseshoe canyon ranch ( well developed and highly concentrated sport climbing) www.climbhcr.com
Also, it is pointless to attempt to go there without a guidebook or a person who is familiar.
If I can be of further assistance, shoot me a pm.
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burz
May 22, 2003, 2:32 PM
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Thanks. I have the Guide by Clay Frisbie. I assume it should do the trick.
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ckemler
May 22, 2003, 2:34 PM
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It'll be hot in the day, and not as hot at night. I don't know the elevation, but it's not a concern. Camp at the throne. Beware of rednecks. Don't leave your stuff out in the open unattended. Plenty of beautiful stuff to climb. You'll spend more time looking for bolts to clip than trad leads, so bring your gear. Some bolt routes take gear too. TR's are easy to come by. Make sure and hit Windy Armbuster. Not too sure about driving from Houstin. You're in for a haul. Just keep that in mind when you head out. Don't get it in your mind that you can average 70 mph. The roads in AR are curvy, hilly and full of people that shouldn't be on the road. There are a lot of fun routes. It should be worth it.
ck
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jer
May 22, 2003, 3:09 PM
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btw- no camping at HCR in the summer months, but you can camp at steel creek, etc.
Also- when climbing in arkansas in the hot/humid months, I like to wear the 'oh-so-stylish' sweatbands on my wrists/forearms like a b-ball player.
They are great for helping keep your hands dry and when you're sliming out of that heinous offwidth, you can wipe your brow, face and eyelids dry of the constant outflow of sweat. Another smart move is to bring a head net to keep off the no-see-ums, skeeters and such for your belayer.
And finally, If you're camping solely at Sams, it is a VERY DRY area, with no real opportunity for water, so bring plenty unless you want to drive in to the gas station at 65 and 123.
Have fun,
Jer
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boogirl
May 22, 2003, 3:28 PM
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Jon
In case you're not familiar with rural areas, they're beautiful but the side walks get rolled up around dusk and the streets are pretty deserted on Sunday. So, inaddition to food and water, make sure your gas tank is full. It's pretty intense wondering if you'll be able to coast into Jasper from the Throne on fumes! Have fun and climb safe.
Lora
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burz
May 23, 2003, 12:45 PM
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I'll make sure to fill my tank. Thanks.
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madflash
Jun 17, 2003, 6:46 PM
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I would definitely consider going to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch instead of the Throne. The Throne is a magnificent place to climb, especially for the adventurous trad climber. There isn't quite as much good sport climbing at the Throne as there is at Horseshoe, except for Cave Creek. The real advantage to climbing at Horseshoe is that it is close to Jasper...gas, food...and horseshoe has more amenities like a swimming pool and disc golf. Horseshoe also doesn't have all of the bugs that sam's has. I was up at Sam's for one day last weekend and at Horseshoe the other day. Let me say that the mosquitoes eventually drove us away from Sam's. It was a torturous experience. However, at horseshoe I didn't get one bug bite. Pick your own poison
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burz
Jun 17, 2003, 7:41 PM
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I was planning on checking out both, but thanks for the heads up. I enjoy trad more but clipping bolts has its upside! Do you know if climbers can still use the pool, etc. even though you are not allowed to camp at the Ranch during their tourist season? Where do you recommend camping while climbing at HCR at this time?
EDIT - Never mind, I found another post with HCR info in it.
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burz
Jul 10, 2003, 5:26 PM
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Thanks for all the responses. The trip is set for August 1-4!!
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timstich
Jul 10, 2003, 5:51 PM
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In reply to: Thanks for all the responses. The trip is set for August 1-4!!
Have fun, dude. One of our Austin crew just went there and had a great time. I'll have to check it out soon.
-Tim
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burz
Aug 5, 2003, 5:19 PM
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Just got back from a kick as trip! We camped at Sam's Throne Thursday through Sunday. We climbed at Sam's Throne on Friday, Cave Creek on Saturday, and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch on Sunday. All three places are awesome. At Sam's we did Doing the Ritz (5.7), Albino Rino (5.7+), Fat Crack (5.6), Fun Way (5.6), and Poison Ivy (5.7+). At Cave Creek we did Middle-Age Crisis (5.10a), Void of Judgement (5.9), Tying the Knot (5.6), Processed Meat (5.10c), and Chos Man (5.10a). Then at HCR we did The Controversy (5.8), Girth Hitch (5.7), Websters (5.6), Leonid (5.9-), Crimp Scampi (5.10+), Dancing Bears (5.7), Strongman (5.9+), and African Herbman (5.9).
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