[TR] Del Campo- South Gully 10/21/2006

[iluka]

Climb: Del Campo-South Gully

 

Date of Climb: 10/21/2006

 

Trip Report:

We took advantage of the great weather yesterday and headed up to do Del Campo. We were greeted with clear skies from the get-go. Easy trail approach (via Weden Trail off the Monte Cristo Road) with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain to Foggy Lake. The streams that intersect the trail were running a bit brisker after the recent rains but presented no problems whatsoever to cross. From the south end of the lake, we picked up the climbers trail that wound along the lake a short distance and then climbed along the ridgeline above the right (east) side of the lake. Plenty of cairns around to mark what is already a fairly obvious climbers path. From there, we crossed the talus field that leads up to the gully one takes up to the northeast side of the mountain. At the top of the talus field, rather than heading up the gully proper on the right side to the very distinct notch, it is best to break off and go up the Class 3 rock to the left. Plenty of good hand and footholds along the way up to ridge from where we found more solid Class 2 and 3 climbing up the NE face to the summit. A little bit of rock fall hazard on the route so helmets were a nice thing to have along (although a teacher of some outdoor class from SPU obviously didn't feel it was necessary for his 6 novice climbing students who got nice and spread out along the way and kicked off a few rocks). Only traces of snow on the rock at the top but otherwise no new snow or ice on the route. Great views from the top and not a cloud in the sky (Unfortunately, not much snow to be seen either from the latest round of storms so the ski season will have to wait a bit longer!)

 

 

Here are some photos of the route:

 

The way up from the lake:

 

The way up the talus field:

 

This is where we left the gully and climbed up to the ridge. Go up the Class 3 rock on the left rather than the chute on the right. Climb to the skyline above and to the left of the notch at the top of the chute. This basically means heading towards the trees. A short ways above the trees, you head left and start climbing the NE face to the summit

 

 

Car to Summit: 4.5 hours

Descent Time to Car: 4 hours

 

Gear Notes:

Helmet

 

(Earlier in season with snow/ice would have axe and crampons)

 

Approach Notes:

Trail -- good condition all the way to Foggy Lake

[Stuart]

Andy

Good job on getting out.

How's the research going?

Cheers

Stuart

[mountainmatt]

Nice outing and TR

 

 

Wow! You can shoot lasers from your fingers!