I agree. Class 2 most of the way up from Winemucca, then Class 3-4 at the summit block. The difference between Class 3 and 4 seems a little murky to me, but if down-climbing facing into the rock means Class 4, then I think it would be 4. It's not a far drop down from the summit block, but it's enough to break your back, or kill you.
After reading the above, I think a rock climber will be relieved to find that the two most obvious routes to the East Summit from the notch below have holds that are large plentiful positive and obvious, steepness and exposure not the most serious. Viewed from the West Summit, the routes could seem intimidating. Up close, they are not so much. There is some loose material, but it is mostly avoidable. I saw no unavoidable scree slides. No holds broke in my hand but I tested each hold, and easily found three points of contact ninety percent of the time. I saw the rappel pole referred to above but can't imagine a climber actually trusting it over his own hands and feet, although the pole looked solid enough. Anyway—having been intimidated by the post above, wus that I am, I found the reality quite different. The buddy I hiked up with, not a rock climber, refused to even look at the East Summit.
Trawinski - Mar 11, 2014 5:43 pm - Hasn't voted
Class 2-3I agree. Class 2 most of the way up from Winemucca, then Class 3-4 at the summit block. The difference between Class 3 and 4 seems a little murky to me, but if down-climbing facing into the rock means Class 4, then I think it would be 4. It's not a far drop down from the summit block, but it's enough to break your back, or kill you.
hgrapid - Jan 28, 2022 12:10 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Class 2-3The page owner hasn't been active for 10 years. I am going to adopt this page and update details. I made sure to change the walk-up status.
markvictor - Aug 18, 2017 1:02 am - Hasn't voted
East SummitAfter reading the above, I think a rock climber will be relieved to find that the two most obvious routes to the East Summit from the notch below have holds that are large plentiful positive and obvious, steepness and exposure not the most serious. Viewed from the West Summit, the routes could seem intimidating. Up close, they are not so much. There is some loose material, but it is mostly avoidable. I saw no unavoidable scree slides. No holds broke in my hand but I tested each hold, and easily found three points of contact ninety percent of the time. I saw the rappel pole referred to above but can't imagine a climber actually trusting it over his own hands and feet, although the pole looked solid enough. Anyway—having been intimidated by the post above, wus that I am, I found the reality quite different. The buddy I hiked up with, not a rock climber, refused to even look at the East Summit.