If you've ever climbed Colchuck Bal. Rock.....

[Jens]

If you have just a couple seconds, I'm looking for a little help.

If I climbed the west face of Colchuck Balanced Rock, would I be able to decend to my pack at the base in a pair of rock shoes? Anotherwards, how long is the descent, is it steep or long? If I were to wear rock shoes, could I wear my really tight rock shoes down or would have to wear a huge comortable pair of rock shoes? Is it say longer or shorter than getting back to the packs after climbing snowcreek wall? Is there a chance I might need an ice axe this time of year to get to the route or to get off the summit?

thanks so much

[suckbm]

it wouldnt be comfortable and would be hard on the shoes but doable. I think it was about 45minutes to walk down

[layton]

you'd be fine. it's very sandy/light gravel and quick. but clipping your shoes to your harness isn't that bad on this route, even with the chimney/ow

[lunger]

yeah, as above. similar in length to snow creek descent, maybe a little bit longer. you won't need an axe either, any remnant snow should be fun to coast down. stellar route; recent report is that it's dry too (i've hit some wetness 2 for 2x).

[Jens]

Thanks for all the help with my post yesterday. I did elect to descend in tight rock shoes (Eric Gratz & I climbed the West Face today). Current beta: Drinking water is available up to halfway up the approach gully. We heard running water near the bench below the face but didn't see any. The mosquito and black fly season is in. There was one footlong section that was damp near the top of the first 5.11 pitch that we were able to easily hand jam around. The rest of the route was bone dry.

[fgw]

Guess my wife and I ran into you guys on Sat. morning.

 

Glad to read you had a good climb. Backbone was great.