Date: Jun 10, 2018 to Jun 17, 2018
Time: All Day
Category: Hike
Back by popular demand!
Last year, 16 ACC members made the trip down to City of Rocks reserve in Idaho for a fantastic week of climbing in the sun. Back by popular demand, another trip is being organized this year!
The Climbing
These are not “cragging areas” like those we might be familiar with on Vancouver Island (ie Quadra Island Crags or Crest Creek Crags). Most climbs will require a climber comfortable with leading and the majority of climbs are trad though there are plenty of bolted climbs as well. Not all climbs have rappel anchors and many are over 35m in length, and because of this it is not always possible to clean anchors and rappel the route climbed. It will often be necessary for leaders to provide a top belay for followers and some climbs will require leaders to be able to establish gear anchors. Descents will require down-climbing from the formations or rappelling from designated rappel anchors (often with two ropes). There are a range of multi-pitch routes in the area, and Castle Rocks has a range of bouldering problems available as well. It will not be possible to set up top ropes on all climbs.
Because of the above details, climbing is best suited for smaller groups of individuals who are comfortable with leading/following trad and multipitch climbs. There is an abundance of moderate and well-bolted climbs, from one to six pitches in length.
The intent will be that the camp will operate much the same as ACCVI Summer Camps, with a social element in the evenings and the ability for smaller groups to decide on objectives and make plans for the following day. Because top roping is not always possible this trip will likely not involve a large group that climbs together on a daily basis.
More information on CoR climbing can be found here: https://www.mountainproject.com/v/city-of-rocks/10573932
Similar site for Castle Rocks: https://www.mountainproject.com/v/castle-rocks/105739331
The Hiking
A number of participants in 2017 were not climbers and enjoyed a week of hiking in the area, enjoying beautiful trails and scenic views. This included the opportunity to summit a few nearby non-technical mountains.
Getting There
CoR is approximately 12-15 hours from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Trip participants would be responsible for arranging their own transportation, though car-pooling would be encouraged. Trip participants would also be responsible for their own food, though I’d be willing to organize some pot-lucks and group meals if there’s a desire.
Cost
There is a cost of $45/person for this trip to cover the camping fee. This does not include the cost of transportation or food. There are no entrance fees for the City of Rocks National Reserve, but entrance to nearby Castle Rocks State Park costs $5/vehicle per day.
For more information, contact Alois Schonenberger: