Is Pistol Ridge normally crowded?

Post by **kclimb** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:32 pm

We've been up there several times. The approach is not my favorite, but it's not that horrible either. I really like the area and think it's definately worth going to. You'll have a total blast.

Generally we've run into very few people and are alone there. Mostly the people we see are just hiking past on their way out.

Have fun and let us know if you enjoy it.

Post by **The Pirate** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 5:42 pm

Don't let them scare you... The approach is not bad at all, just a normal approach hike. The crowds at pistol are normally small... Have fun...

Post by **Artsay** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:38 pm

The approach isn't bad for climbers used to a regular climbing approach but the average sport crag approach at the Red makes the approach to Pistol seem much more enduring. I guarantee that most people breathe heavy during the Pistol approach and someone who is out of shape will probably have to rest along the way. It's not hard by any means, though.

The approach is a series of steep switch backs and there are many trees crossing the trail. Hiking quickly it's about a 10 minute approach to the base of the cliff.

Post by **lordjim_2001** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:49 pm

Just watch out if you have bad knees, the decent is a pain.

Every time I've been out there the crowds are very small. If they are spread out enough you might not even see them.

M

Post by **finish jug** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:57 pm

Bring a head lamp too; we ended up walking back down in total darkness one night and it took a hell of a long time,

Post by **Roentgen Ray** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 11:28 pm

I think your wife would enjoy the hike to Pistol Ridge. It is very nice in the spring time, I have even seen wild orchids, a.k.a. Lady Slippers, in bloom along the trail. The routes are ok, chem stud is up your alley, its a V0 boulder problem with bolts.

Enjoy,

Post by **One-Fall** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 2:10 am

Wow....Thanks so much for all the great beta everybody. It is much appreciated.
Spragwa, I will let you know before we go.
Kclimb, I'll let you know how it was.

Thanks again.

Post by **strum** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 5:08 am

it is nearly always empty, or at least few other people

be sure to check out:

Don't feed the tricerotops
Life is beutiful
danger mouse
bitchmobile!!
oh, ya chemstuds rox (my first 5.10 ever.. ahh those were the days!)

Post by **Bruno** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:29 pm

Pistol Ridge is cool. The approach is a little long, but not bad ... unless it's wet, then it can be a slippery mess.

The 5.7 (Don't Feed the Triceratops) and 5.8 (Danger Mouse) are loads of fun.

I've been there four times. Three of them it was deserted, once it must have been "Climb at Pistol Ridge" Day, and it was relatively packed.

Post by KD » Mon Mar 29, 2004 1:56 am

The anchor bolts on Don't feed the Trieratops are spaced kinda wierd and the left one frequently gets torqued loose. Clip the right one first then tighten the left.