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imcd
Nov 5, 2004, 9:48 PM
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Registered: Nov 25, 2003
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Hi, can anyone tell me what the season is at Eldo? I could be through late febuary to mid march. If Eldo is poor at this time where else is there in Colorado (sport or trad) at this time of year?
Thanks
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nthusiastj
Nov 5, 2004, 10:07 PM
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Registered: Sep 3, 2002
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Eldo is doable in that time frame. I have climbed there in Feb with snow on the ground. You will probably need to wear fleece and "chase the sun". It will be fairly cold. You will have to limit your choice of routes due to the shade/sun.
Most of the other places in CO will be pretty much the same. Just choose low elevation, south facing cliffs.
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jcinco
Nov 5, 2004, 10:14 PM
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Registered: Aug 27, 2002
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If it is at least 45-50 degrees and the sun is out, Eldo is fine. The best crags that time of year are usually West Ridge, Rincon, Cadillac Crag, and the cragging areas on Redgarden.
The South Platte is also very nice in the winter, especially in the Cathedral Spires, though many areas have bird closures starting on 3/1.
Boulder Canyon (Blob Rock and Security Risk) and Clear Creek (Highlander Crag) both have some good winter crags.
Shelf Road is unquestionably the best winter area near the Front Range. It has lots of great south facing cliffs, and is climbable on all but the greyest winter days.
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dlintz
Nov 5, 2004, 11:00 PM
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Registered: Sep 9, 2002
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North Table Mountain aka Golden Cliffs has plenty of South facing routes that do well on sunny days. It's certainly not the greatest climbing area in the Front Range but it's convenient.
d.
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climbhoser
Nov 5, 2004, 11:13 PM
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Registered: Sep 4, 2004
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IMHO mid-winter is the most prime time to climb in Eldo, granting it's not in the middle of a blizzard. The summer's too hot and sweaty, and the Front Range winters offer some pretty awesome days. Shelf is always a good winter crag, as is the South Platte and there's some great stuff around Colorado Springs, too. See Rock & Ice #95 for a good look at Sentinel Rock.
I actually feel as though Boulder Canyon is a colder option than Eldo...
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