Iowa · Rock climbing · Ely

Dows

2 routes
V4-5
Bouldering
Apr, Jun
best months

Dows is a bouldering area in Palisades-Dows State Preserve in Iowa, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. It sits within the preserve's network of climbing spots, which also includes West Bluff, The Last Portage and Palisades Kepler State Park, all within a mile. The climbing here is bouldering only, with two routes listed: Astro League and Falcon 9 Nebula, both rated V4-5. Both were first ascended by the Midwest Rock Violators. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Cedar Rapids show May highs around 74°F and September highs around 77°F, with July the warmest month at about 86°F. West Bluff is just 0.1 mile away, and The Last Portage is about half a mile off. Palisades Kepler State Park is roughly 0.9 mile away. For time on the water, Big Creek offers canoeing about 8.6 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun

    Best time to visit Dows

    Best months: April, June and August–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      30° / 13°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      35° / 17°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      49° / 27°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      63° / 38°

      11 wet

    5. May

      74° / 50°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 60°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 63°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 61°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      77° / 53°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 42°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      48° / 29°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      35° / 19°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Cedar Rapids #1, IA, 11.4 mi away at 813 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (2)