|
adamd
Dec 1, 2004, 7:20 AM
Post #1 of 5
(1735 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 27, 2004
Posts: 62
|
I'm going to be up with a bunch of friends at a house near the Needles in CA for New Years. Any suggestions of any rock or ice of any sort that might be climbable time of year around there? Having been there in the summer I'm betting this is a long shot, but any help would be appreciated!
|
|
|
|
|
boltdude
Dec 1, 2004, 2:40 PM
Post #2 of 5
(1735 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 29, 2002
Posts: 685
|
Where exactly are you going to be? Tollhouse (to the north, near Hwy 168 which is what you take to Courtright) can be OK if you're lucky on weather - generally slabby, featured granite, not much if you're into steep stuff or cracks. Kern River Canyon (to the south, near Bakersfield) has some isolated stuff.
And, honestly, if the weather is good enough for those spots, you can also climb at Arch Rock & the Cookie Cliff in the Valley - which depending on where you're staying could be not too bad or a long drive, but would probably be more to your liking if you've been to the Needles.
|
|
|
|
|
dynobelay
Dec 1, 2004, 10:04 PM
Post #3 of 5
(1735 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 9, 2003
Posts: 42
|
If you come there up the Kern River, they don't plow the road. So you might not make it to the actual Needles. But there are various smaller cliffs along the river corridor, check the guidebook. If you come via Porterville its plowed to Ponderosa, but you will probably have to walk in from there.
|
|
|
|
|
adamd
Dec 2, 2004, 5:33 AM
Post #4 of 5
(1735 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 27, 2004
Posts: 62
|
I'm staying with friends at Ponderosa and I was thinking Dome Rock might be warm and dry enough with it's sun exposure. Unfortunately I'm not getting my customary Jtree New Years in this year...damn I've done that 4 out of the last 5 years! I am headed out for my first days of the North East Ice season this weekend, so all is not lost...plus if the sandstone stays dry I'll get to play in Santa Barbara a little. Any more thoughts on probable Needles/Dome Rock conditions for the new year? Or other maybe lower areas that would be worth an afternoon? Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
dynobelay
Dec 4, 2004, 1:37 PM
Post #5 of 5
(1735 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 9, 2003
Posts: 42
|
Well, Ponderosa is a nice bivy. The road to Dome Rock may be snowed in. Also Dome Rock routes can be a bit bold, probably worse when its cold. So you may be stuck with the Needles.
I've walked in to the Needles during the "off" season only to find it too cold and windy to climb. But you may luck out with a window of sunny days. The good news is on those crack climbs the protection can be great even if the temperature isn't.
If you are in luck "Thin Ice" 10b is fantastic (and in the sun) also "Spooky" 5.9 faces south too. And if its quite warm "Airy Interlude" 10a is great even if not in the sun.
|
|
|
|
|
|
