It has about the same season as Washington Pass. Usually a mid June start. However, this year will be much different with the minimal snowpack. Maybe May 1st! Can't wait!
Concerning the East Priest Lake Road / Indian Creek State Park trail
The last comment on the taped bushwack is from 2003, so I thought that I'd add that I went in that way 2 weeks ago and that the tape seems to have be removed for a good ways from where you park your car. We did find a little tape on the way back, but only for ~100m. If you go this way, think carefully on how you plan on finding your car again - we didn't plan accordingly and spend some extra time wandering through the trees. Just FYI. Otherwise great site.
2 buddies and I are considering Chimney for a post semester excursion. Our target date is May 22nd or 23rd, but we are balking a little at the thought of winter-ish conditions. The three of us are fairly experienced climbers and outdoorsmen, but being college students we dont have the funds for tons of extra gear. Any thoughts on what might go into a Late-May summit attempt? Are axes/crampons a must?
Any advice/experience is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Zenkster,
It depends on the snow pack. During heavy years I've used an ice axe as late as mid-July, as much for stability than anything else. I recall being glad I had it on the Horton Ridge approach when dropping down the steep slopes into the Chimney Rock basin.
Knee-length gaiters & an ice axe *might* be all you need. I've never needed crampons, but also have never gone any earlier than mid-June. It is doubtful snowshoes would be needed.
For the climb itself, all I've ever need was the usual technical rock gear: rope, harness, pro, helmet, etc.
You might want to ask down at Mountain Gear in Spokane: someone there might have a good feel for what this year's conditions are. Inquiring via one of the forums on Cascadeclimbers.com might also give better info that I can. Good luck & have fun!
rpc - Feb 25, 2005 1:01 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentMartin,
so what do you think is the earliest reasonable time to head out there?
Would love to check that thing out.
Martin Cash - Feb 25, 2005 1:13 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentIt has about the same season as Washington Pass. Usually a mid June start. However, this year will be much different with the minimal snowpack. Maybe May 1st! Can't wait!
Dave Daly - Jul 14, 2004 2:14 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentSome hard work put into this page! Nice job Sharon.
Sharon - Jul 17, 2004 9:38 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThanks for the 4 stars, Dave! I hope you are getting in some great climbing this summer!
Dave Daly - Jul 26, 2004 4:25 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentNot too much but that will change next summer! Are you guys coming back to Tuolumne anytime soon?
miztflip - Dec 2, 2004 9:00 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentSharon, great page and what an awesome piece of rock.
Sharon - Feb 16, 2005 11:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThanks for the 4 stars, Bill. I went to "your" page & see you love Yosemite / Tuolumne the way I do!
Bill Ott - Feb 17, 2005 10:34 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentHi Sharon,
Yes, it's difficult to go anywhere else.
Sharon - Feb 18, 2005 9:18 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThanks for the 4 stars, Popoff. I need to wander your way down to Oregon next summer!
Sharon - Jan 8, 2006 3:51 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThank you for the 4-stars!
SawtoothSean - Jan 25, 2006 2:40 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentTop notch page on this spire- I must get there! Thanks for the info and pics
willow - Aug 3, 2006 11:20 pm - Hasn't voted
Concerning the East Priest Lake Road / Indian Creek State Park trailThe last comment on the taped bushwack is from 2003, so I thought that I'd add that I went in that way 2 weeks ago and that the tape seems to have be removed for a good ways from where you park your car. We did find a little tape on the way back, but only for ~100m. If you go this way, think carefully on how you plan on finding your car again - we didn't plan accordingly and spend some extra time wandering through the trees. Just FYI. Otherwise great site.
Zenkster - Apr 27, 2013 1:08 pm - Hasn't voted
May too early?Hi all,
2 buddies and I are considering Chimney for a post semester excursion. Our target date is May 22nd or 23rd, but we are balking a little at the thought of winter-ish conditions. The three of us are fairly experienced climbers and outdoorsmen, but being college students we dont have the funds for tons of extra gear. Any thoughts on what might go into a Late-May summit attempt? Are axes/crampons a must?
Any advice/experience is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Sharon - Apr 27, 2013 2:20 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: May too early?Hi Zenkster,
It depends on the snow pack. During heavy years I've used an ice axe as late as mid-July, as much for stability than anything else. I recall being glad I had it on the Horton Ridge approach when dropping down the steep slopes into the Chimney Rock basin.
Knee-length gaiters & an ice axe *might* be all you need. I've never needed crampons, but also have never gone any earlier than mid-June. It is doubtful snowshoes would be needed.
For the climb itself, all I've ever need was the usual technical rock gear: rope, harness, pro, helmet, etc.
You might want to ask down at Mountain Gear in Spokane: someone there might have a good feel for what this year's conditions are. Inquiring via one of the forums on Cascadeclimbers.com might also give better info that I can. Good luck & have fun!
Zenkster - May 2, 2013 1:06 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: May too early?Thanks Sharon! If we do follow through with it I'll be sure to post and let you know how it goes.