January climbing in the gorge

[zenclimber]

Hi all,
I will be attending a school for work in Lexington from 9 Jan to 5 Feb and want to know what the climbing is like in the Gorge during this time. I am thinking about bring my rack and rope and want to know if I should do so or just bring my harness and shoes. Any information is helpful and thanks for the advice.

[aburgoon]

Word on the street is that you can catch a sunny, dry day here and there. That being said, this is my first winter here, and I've not been out since early December. You probably won't regret bringing the kit, but probably will on a sunny day if you leave it behind.

[Yasmeen]

With that large of a window, I bet you'll have some good days. As long as it's not a terrible inconvenience to bring your rope and rack, I'd bring them. Even if you're planning to hook up with random people at the crag, it'll be easier to work in with a group if you've got your own stuff to add to the mix.

[toad857]

Word on the street is that you can catch a sunny, dry day here and there.

yeah, like the past week!

all snow and gloom from here on out, though. that's what i heard.

[OZ]

Yeah...it's hit or miss, but it's next to impossible for zen climbing in January. February, maybe...but not January.

[pawilkes]

i got out today and it was pretty good. its like thrift store shopping, hit or miss

[cliftongifford]

yesterday was nice as well. spent all day at left flank and didn't see another climber. find a good south facing cliff that soaks up the sun and anything above freezing isn't so bad.

[zenclimber]

Thanks for info.
I'm flying in form San Diego -so worried about the weight flying. I know I want to climb when there, but will be in class during the week so just have a few weekends. But your all right, if I leave the rack I will be bummed on the good days. So you talked me into it, bring the rack. So what areas can I find those sweet south facing cliffs?

[zenclimber]

also a the 2 guys I'm in school with have no gear - where is a good place to rent shoes?

[cliftongifford]

check the online guidebook on this site. the advanced search is an amazing tool, it allows you to search for those sunny routes you're looking for... it'll also allow you to search for routes by grade, rating, crag, dry or wet, etc.