Lower Gorge Access

Post by **J-Rock** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:29 pm

FYI: Saturday a group of us went climbing at Muscle Beach and we encountered a friendly road crew working on FS 9. They informed us that it would be finished within the next couple of weeks (they have a project in North Carolina next). They also mentioned that the Forest Service was planning to reopen it. So, that is good news or bad news depending how you look at it.

Post by **Yasmeen** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:44 pm

Sa-weet! Thanks for the update, J-Rock! Hopefully the new road will hold up.

Post by **Bruisebrother** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:32 pm

There goes the Neighborhood!

Post by **Wes** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:45 pm

J-Rock, How was Muscle beach?

Post by **haas** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:29 am

guess I won't be bringing my bike. Thanks for the heads up.

Post by **J-Rock** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:44 am

Muscle Beach was awesome. It's such a great feeling to finally put down the drill (it's been more than a month). The approach took us a little bit longer than expected because we ended up at the wrong cliff. Looking across the drainage we could see a stunning chunk of gorgeous orange cliffline and we knew that we needed to be over there instead. Hint... go left after crossing the dam (not right).

The first route of the day "Muscle Shoals" scraped my ankle quite nicely so I was happy since I had a proud wound to show for my efforts. Those old school 8+ grades felt pretty stout for sure (or I need to climb more offwidths). We all had a great time.

Post by **Wes** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:09 am

It can be a tricky place to find, but I think going right after crossing the dam is the right way, you just have to really watch for a left that puts you on the old loggng road. I bet with little to no traffic, the trail is really hard to find now, as there wasn't much of one to begin with.

Muscle shoals might still be the hardest route I have ever sent... What else did you all get on? Can't wait for them to open the road back up, as I am to much of a lazy sport climber to do the hike back there.

Post by **J-Rock** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:58 am

Thanks Wes, I'll try that approach next time...

We also got on:

Rocket Man
Surfin With Grizz
When Gravity Fails
Mama Told Me Not To Come
Grand Illusion

(Grand Illusion might have been my favorite - aesthetic, flowed nicely, etc.)

Post by **ynot** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 7:43 pm

After crossing the dam theres a big dead tree on the ground after it you turn left up the logging road then switchback right after you see Minus Tiruth. Sound about right ,Wes?

Post by **squeezindlemmon** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 8:07 pm

With the amount of growth out there and the dozens of dead trees laying on the ground, it was definitely hard to find the trail. Even after we found it, it still didn't resemble any of the trails in other areas of the Red. It made the hike to Muscle Beach even more FUN though!

It's also beautiful out there this time of the year. Wild flowers in bloom and butterflies everywhere.