DanielHarro Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 (edited) Trip: Sphinx - Lowe Date: 11/9/2007 Trip Report: Elisif and I (Team Harro) had five days off together so and we both wanted to get some first season ice climbing in. Looking at conditions and talking to people it looked like the Sphinx was in fat, but other stuff in Hyalite and surrounding area was wet and still in the forming states. We decided to give it a go and see what we could scrap up. The fist day Elisif and I drove to Cameron Montana to the start of the Sphinx. We arrived at the trailhead around 330am after stopping in Butte to pack our gear in the lighted parking lot of a gas station so we got a few small hours of sleep in the car before heading out at 630am. We reached to helmet saddle at 930am where we met another party from Missoula that were going to attempt the Lowe Direct route, so headed for the long traverse, and the other team headed down to the base of their climb. We summated at 500pm right when the sun was going down, got back to the car around 900pm making it car to car in 14.5 hours. It was a really fun trip with super good ice!! The following pics are in order from the start to finish… What gear to bring, what gear to leave??? Rope burn from CrossFit that is going to feel nice in you ice boots... First view of the Sphinx (south face) Me at the Helmet saddle getting ready to head up the West ridge. Elisif heading up the West ridge. Firt views of the ice and the long traverse. Traverse...hmmm... More traverse..... Getting closer... . Pitch #2 Elisif on Lead Up and Up... almost to the summit... So close to the top, oh the darkness... Going down More down.. The rest of the decent was in the dark, pretty chill we just follow the easiest way down back to the saddle where we stashed some gear. Gear Notes: No need for any rock pro. 70m rope, a hand full of screws and start nice and early if possible... Bring you shoes for the approch and save you feet. Approach Notes: Get the Winter Dance book and you are set!! Edited November 13, 2007 by DanielHarro Quote
John Frieh Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 Nice kick off to the season team! Bonus points for that rope burn Elisif Quote
DRep Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 good times, such a cool route in a cool place. how was the ice? dry, soaked? Quote
kevbone Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 You guys/gals are crazy.....ice climbing is crazy shit...nice work. Quote
DanielHarro Posted November 13, 2007 Author Posted November 13, 2007 the whole day was very Montana dry, the ice was thick, dry and took screws with ease. We used at least 1 long screw on each belay (19-21cm) plus one standard size. Oh and the trail head is at about 6,200 - 6,400 feet and we toped out at just under 10,800 feet, It was a full day... Quote
Argus Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 Nice TR. How is the snowpack down there? Quote
Chad_A Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 Not very good. They're awaiting a good dump. PS- nice TR and pics, Daniel! I see that you found something to climb. Quote
PickleJuice Posted November 15, 2007 Posted November 15, 2007 Nice you two! Next time, puppy sitter??? Quote
ElisifHarro Posted November 15, 2007 Posted November 15, 2007 Definitely Katie! I'll take you up on that offer , unfortunately, though able to do a mean hike at 14 weeks, Reuben has yet to master tying knots....and instead prefers just chewing on them Any other takers? Quote
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