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TChris
Trad climber
Salt Lake City
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Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 2, 2014 - 01:19pm PT
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Thinking about heading to the Needles next week. Would I roast there this time of year? Too hot in August?
I'm hoping it's possible to find quality pitches in the shade. It's a long drive to show up and find out otherwise...
General opinions on climbing there in August would be appreciated.
Thanks
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Levy
Big Wall climber
So Cal
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You can usually play the follow the shade/sun game at the Needles, since most of the formations have a distinct east & west face. Lots of routes to choose from. Bring lots of water & have fun, it's one of the most amazing places to climb.
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TChris
Trad climber
Salt Lake City
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 2, 2014 - 03:54pm PT
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Many thanks.
My partner hikes at about the pace of a box turtle. I've heard that mountain bikes may help speed up the process of getting in. Can you confirm?
Thanks again.
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Don't think it would be worth the trouble.
the Mt bikeable portion is mostly along along a logging road on a ridge without much gain or loss.
Riding it with a pack and a rack wouldn't be enough faster to justify the hassle of getting your bike out here than walking anyway.
It looks like we have a stronger and later than usual monsoonal flow for this time of year.
Get up early and finish early.
no problem.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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MTB is an option. We used to do it regularly. You do have stash your bikes at the end though.
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Levy
Big Wall climber
So Cal
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From my perspective, bikes are NOT worth it for the Needles unless you are going in for 3 or more days in succession. Riding with a full cragging pack is no fun at all, let alone at 7,500' elevation. If you walk in the 1st day, cache your gear out there, and hike out, the next day you can ride in easily and make it out easily. For the last day, you might want to leave the bikes behind for the schlepp out.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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If you have more than one person, it is easy to split up the gear. We used to ride from the road when the gate was closed, but if you drive to the end of the fire road it doesn't help much.
Either way, have a great time. It is fantastic place to climb
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Fat Dad
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Re the weather: I've never had it be too hot up there, maybe because the orientation of the formations. If anything, it always seems cooler than I expect. The Needles always seems to be one of those places where I have to think about whether to wear long sleeves before leaving the ground.
I've biked in a number of times, and it's a judgment call. The ride in is more of a pump with a 20 lb. pack, though if you're a strong rider it won't be too bad. It is better if you can stash your gear and ride unencumbered. And, like Levy said, there's still alot of hiking after the point where can no longer ride. The real boost is at the end of a long day and getting back to your car in just a few, fun minutes vs. another 30 min. of walking. That part is pretty nice.
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| Messages 1 - 9 of total 9 in this topic |
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