Snow Creek Wall - King Kong Chimney

[AlpineMonkey]

Yesterday kublaicon and I climbed King Kong Chimney and Umbrella Tree on Snow Creek Wall. What classic, classic routes. For descent we decided to try something new. From the top of the Snow Creek Wall we droped down the backside of the wall thinking we could hit Pearly Gates and then follow the trail out back to the cars. Well, just after droping over the top we hit a good trail and followed it down, making record time back to the cars. 1 hour and 20 min. at an easy pace from top of Snow Creek Wall to parking lot. From now on I'm descending this way. Has anyone else ever done this or heard of this descent.

[kublaicon]

 

The Quick Descent. Descended right skyline of SCW and then arrived at Pearly Gates

 

[counterfeitfake]

That... is brilliant. I don't know why I didn't think of that.

[OlympicMtnBoy]

Nice, I scoped that descent last time I was up there thinking it has got to be easier, but didn't risk forging on unknown ground with my tired/less experienced partner. Thanks for checking it out!

[kevino]

Craig you're so smart!

[AlpineMonkey]

About 10 min. after we droped down the backside we hit a trail. It looked like someone at sometime had put a lot of work into it, lots of deadfall had been cut out of the way. We followed this trail down to Pearly Gates and then out, very quick way down. No down climbing sketchy stuff, just mellow walking.

 

I think if you descend the standard Snow Creek Wall walk down it takes at least an hour just to get to your packs, then you have to hike out.

[ivan]

hiking out this way requires you carry all your shit up n' over though yes? excellent alpine trainign of course, but it leaves the poor goats nothign to chew on!

[Good2Go]

How about a little more info on the routes you climbed (e.g., grades, location, pictures, etc.). Looking to get on something other than the trade routes up there.

[Crillz]

About 10 min. after we droped down the backside we hit a trail. It looked like someone at sometime had put a lot of work into it, lots of deadfall had been cut out of the way. We followed this trail down to Pearly Gates and then out, very quick way down.

 

I believe there's some developed routes up above Squirrley Gates - that trail may have something to do with those.

[AlpineMonkey]

I was just kidding about the classic climbing. It was more like moss filled cracks and dirty rock. Nothing to write about.

 

Of course you do need to carry your gear up the wall if you decide to drop down the back.

[G-spotter]

Could you see any activity from the nesting falcons over in the closed area?

[AlpineMonkey]

Was keeping my eyes open and looking that way, but never saw a bird.