Our top picks for an October trad climbing trip are the Gunks, Indian Creek and La Pedriza. October is the best month of the year at the Gunks, and a good month at Indian Creek and La Pedriza. Each pick is based on decades of weather data run through our rock-drying model — tap a card for the full month-by-month breakdown.
Top trad climbing picks for October
The Gunks
Roofs and horizontal breaks on the Shawangunk ridge above New Paltz. October is the pick, spring and fall are the seasons, and summer is for early mornings.
See the month-by-month weather data →
Indian Creek
Splitter cracks in red desert sandstone near Canyonlands. November is the pick, March, April and late October are the season, and summer afternoons are too hot.
See the month-by-month weather data →
La Pedriza
Granite domes and slabs in the Sierra de Guadarrama, an hour from Madrid. March and September lead, winter holds up well on the lower crags, and summer belongs to El Yelmo.
See the month-by-month weather data →How the October picks compare
| Destination | Country | Rock | October | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Gunks | New York, USA | Quartz conglomerate | ★ Best | Apr–May, Sep–Nov |
| Indian Creek | Utah, USA | Sandstone | Good | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov |
| La Pedriza | Spain | Granite | Good | Sep–Jun |
Season = the months each destination's own weather-data article rates good or best.
Questions
Where is the best place to go trad climbing in October?
Our top picks are the Gunks, Indian Creek and La Pedriza. October is the best month of the year at the Gunks, and a good month at Indian Creek and La Pedriza.
Which trad climbing destinations are at their best in October?
October is the best month of the year at the Gunks, according to the weather data in its destination guide. Our other picks are at their best at other times of year: Indian Creek in November; and La Pedriza in March and September.
Where should I go trad climbing in November?
In November, our top picks are Indian Creek, Red Rock and Joshua Tree. See where to go trad climbing in November.