Jump to content

Speaking of Castle Rock....


Sherri

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 15
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Older versions of Kramar's book provide more detail.

 

For Midway, I have a topo that shows the original line which is not indicated in guidebooks but is the better way to go and the line that many parties take inadvertently.

pdf file

Some readers may note that I probably overstate the fear factor for Midway Direct, but I don't think it is a beginner's lead whereas Midway is.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's a nice one of Midway, Matt. :tup: Better than the wavy lines drawn up the low-res photos in the current Kramer book.

 

BTW, I prefer taking the "variation" line in your Midway topo. I like how it avoids the rope drag of going under that first roof. Yeah, it's a sacrifice to miss the chimney section that comes afterward, but the the extra exposure of MD and neat traverse back onto Midway proper at the old piton ring are a good trade off.

 

Did you draw up that topo?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fun route, just did it for the first time the other day.

A 60 meter rope just makes it to the top in one 'as long as they get pitch'.

Belay from the base of the first pitch,* climb the variation, and use a lot of two foot slings on the upper half.

Edited by lancegranite
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, I drew the topo for Midway.

 

Champaign could use a good topo. It is a popular route and lots of folks are confused by where to go.

 

I drew a topo for Mary Jane that is posted on cc.com, and it needs a little refinement but J believe could be useful for someone looking for an alternative to Outer Space and Orbit.

 

link

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not Castle Rock, but... does anyone have a topo of Champaign up on Snow Creek wall? Or can point me to a book that does - something better than what is in "Leavenworth Rock"?

The approach gulley throws a lot of people. You will want to rope up for it. Start at the tree in the notch and follow the narrow ramp to the bolt. Then go straight up through the "obvious" cracks and chimneys.

AplineFox and I did it a few years ago and finished with a traverse of the ridge to the top of OuterSpace. That was fun too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

if you rope up in the gully for the 5.8ish chimney block move be very careful of draggin your rope up gully and not knocking loose a death block onto your belayer.

 

The dihedral above Easter Tower trends up and then veer left to the bolt by the roof. Easy cracks surmount the roof to "bubble land" and a shorter lead up to and obvious Ledge. At the ledge a prominent 5.6 chimney leads past a tree. Other harder options are to the left and right of chimney. The last pitch to ridge crest is pick your own poison...rambley not very memorable climbing. The ridge traverse is stellar and as BUG implies brings you to the top of outerspace. Specifically it brings you to the end of the ridge and one must rapel to the ground. One short rap. Then you have to hike over "eastish" towards outerspace to reach the end boulder of outerspace (should be obvious). I do highly recommend Champaign but I do not recommend it to someone not familiar with Mountain Climbing. Not your standard "Outerspace or Orbit" affair. Plan for a long day if unfamiliar with the ridge traverse.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




×
×
  • Create New...