Needles (CA) in late September?

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Messages 1 - 9 of total 9 in this topic

andypl

Trad climber

Bend, OR

Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 20, 2017 - 04:08pm PT

How are conditions at the Needles (CA) in late September? Nice in the sun/cold in the shade conditions typically?

Contractor

Boulder climber

Aug 20, 2017 - 04:25pm PT

Late last September and the year before were perfect and just as you described.
Please consider foregoing the campfire.

Have fun!

andypl

Trad climber

Bend, OR

Topic Author's Reply - Aug 20, 2017 - 04:27pm PT

Miserable in the shade, or climbable? Or did you stick to sunny routes?

Contractor

Boulder climber

Aug 20, 2017 - 04:35pm PT

The shade was nice, just a tad chilly in the morning and late afternoon- no puffy needed for belays. Direct Sun was a bit warm in the middle of the day and nice in the morning and evening...in other words- perfect!
Beanie and a couple of layers.

rincon

climber

Coarsegold

Aug 20, 2017 - 05:10pm PT

It'll be perfect!

Ksolem

Trad climber

Monrovia, California

Aug 21, 2017 - 11:27am PT

If it's cold in the upper Needles (Charlatan, Sorcerer, Witch, Warlock, etc.,) it'll be splendid down at Voodoo Dome. Voodoo's too hot most of the summer and they close the road in the winter (when it is perfect) but Sept. can be counted on to be nice.

pvalchev

Social climber

Truckee, CA

Aug 21, 2017 - 11:48am PT

I've climbed in October and November there... unless there's a storm it's just perfect, probably tshirts mid-day, with a light layer the rest of the time, bring a jacket just in case; I prefer it to the summer heat myself and you'll likely have the place to yourself!

Yinzer

Trad climber

Los Angeles, CA

Aug 21, 2017 - 12:25pm PT

September will be gorgeous. Even too hott, depending on the weather for some temp-snobs <3 not me.

I highly recommend dipping in the Kern River while you're there.

This is an applicable TR of December 2016 conditions:

http://www.supertopo.com/tr/Two-December-days-at-THE-NEEDLES/t13102n.html
just after the first snow, & just after the first snow melted & was up in the air as winter approached.

I think it was mid-fifties to low sixties. great friction on the snowy day oddly, and less so two weeks later.

The wonderful Ksolem guidebook is a masterpiece & will be bringing a new level of embrace for the area. I appreciate the tight knit Kern community up there! Heading out for my 30th birthday with a good group of guys soon. God Bless The Needles!