Is Pistol Ridge normally crowded?

Post by **One-Fall** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:42 am

I hope to take my wife out climbing soon, and am looking for a crag with moderate (5.0-5.10) sport routes. From the guide, it looks like Pistol Ridge is a good choice. I have never been there though, so any beta on the place would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Post by **gymrat** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 1:25 am

I was there last Monday and, even though it was beautiful out, we were totally alone there.

We had a beginner out there too and she did fine. Even Chem Studs wasn't much of a challenge for her, sicne there are some serious jugs on that route. Totally a good place for a beginner.

Post by **gymrat** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 1:27 am

Oh, she may not be enthused by the approach. It's not terribly long or difficult, but it's definitely not like going to Roadside or Torrent. More like Left Flank.

Post by **kentuckysarah** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 1:47 am

Your wife will love it. There's a really fun 7 and 8 that she should definately do really well on. The only thing I don't really like about it is the approach, but it's not all that bad as long as she's ok with hiking.

Post by **Artsay** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:28 am

In addition to Pistol, I'd also recommend Pebble Beach. The moderate sport routes there are super fun and the easy trad routes are quality lines. The approach is a little easier too.

Post by **Spragwa** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:30 am

Man that's awesome that you're getting her out again! She'll be jonesing for the good stuff in no time. Let me know if you want company, I'd love to hang with y'all!

Post by **Wes** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 4:48 am

The 7 and 8 are both fun, though short. The approch is long. Really long. And, there can be a pretty good crowd around those routes.

Fortress is the best easy area, but you will have to borrow a rack

Along with WOD and Dip wall as well.

Wes

Post by **Gretchen** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 4:59 am

Geez people, the approach isn't that bad!

Post by **spuzo** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:01 pm

naw I didnt think the approach was bad, not as steep and silly as the approach to Long Wall... - there is a 5.9 up there too that has a great place for taking pictures...you can scramble up the back of this platform - thru the rhodos...great view.

Don't feed the Triceratops is up there right? and Cat and Mouse...both fun routes you can play on. The 5.9 had a bad start for me - but most climbs in the Red have bad starts for me because I am a midget

the secret's out. It was moderately crowded when we were there...ran across maybe 3 or 4 other couples or small groups....it was an AWESOME sunny day though a couple weeks ago.

Post by **Gretchen** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:22 pm

The decent from Long Wall only sucks in a down pour, it's a mudslide to the bottom!