Iowa · Rock climbing · Maquoketa

Quantum Chromodynamics Area

6 routes
V0 – V3-4
Bouldering
Apr–Oct
best months

Quantum Chromodynamics Area is a bouldering area in Joinerville Park in Iowa, on county land. It sits among a cluster of named bouldering spots, including Joinerville (bouldering only), Upper and Lower Boulders and Dip Boulder, all within about a tenth of a mile. The climbing here is all bouldering, with six routes ranging from V0- to V3. The easiest are Intergallactic Microwaves at V0- and Palm over Palm at V0, and the hardest is Entanglement at V3-4. The area is a compact, close-together set of problems, so it works well for a short session of bouldering. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Maquoketa show May highs around 70°F and September highs around 75°F, while winter brings highs in the 20s and regular snow days. Walnut Trail is about 6 miles away for a hike, and Brookfield Recreation Trail is about 7.6 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Quantum Chromodynamics Area

    Best months: April–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

      27° / 11°

      8 wet · 6 snow

    2. Feb

      31° / 15°

      7 wet · 5 snow

    3. Mar

      45° / 26°

      9 wet · 3 snow

    4. Apr

      59° / 37°

      11 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      70° / 49°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      79° / 60°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 63°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 61°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 52°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      62° / 40°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      46° / 28°

      8 wet · 2 snow

    12. Dec

      32° / 18°

      8 wet · 5 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Maquoketa, IA, 4.5 mi away at 668 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (6)

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E: Twin SistersPhoto: Eric Schmuttenmaer from Downers Grove, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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D: Open BiblePhoto: Eric Schmuttenmaer from Downers Grove, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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C: Sun ButtressPhoto: Eric Schmuttenmaer from Downers Grove, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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