Rock Town Dec 30-Jan3

Post by **squeezindlemmon** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:12 pm

The road to the crag and the road to the campground is one and the same since you can only camp at the parking lot to the bouldering area. I think.

Post by **J-Rock** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:14 pm

You can camp at other areas on the mountain, but it will be a long walk to the bouldering area.

Post by **Wes** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:38 pm

Some friends tried the back way last year, hoping it was better, only to find really deep ruts and really bad conditons. I have heard that it is even worse now.

The front side road is passible with a normal car, as long as you have a some clearance, know how to read the rough sections, and take your time. I did it in my minivan at night. And I see normal cars in the parking area as well.

You would not want to park at the bottom of the hill and walk to the boulders. It woud end up being something like 3+ miles with a 1,000+ elevation gain.

Wes

Post by **Meadows** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:41 pm

Sweet! Sounds like my kind of approach, Wes!

Post by **Jrodan** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 6:08 pm

I suppose I'll take my chances then. The three mile uphill approach sounds pretty sweet, don't get me wrong. But those other camping areas sound pretty lonely. Thanks everyone.

Post by **charlie** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:21 pm

Yeah the back way is toast now, big extended ponds with underwater ruts you can't judge. The normal approach is not too bad if you're patient and careful. Biggest possibility for drama will be blowing a tire on the rocks that are sticking up so just go slow and easy, dodging all the little rocks sticking up on the road.

This info comes as of Thanksgiving weekend, last time we were there.

Post by **meetVA** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:41 pm

charlie wrote:...Biggest possibility for drama will be blowing a tire on the rocks that are sticking up...

charlie, blowing A tire? How about 2!?!

Jrodan, if you are coming (caravaning) with everyone else and don't mind leaving your car parked at the bottom of the hill, could you hitch a ride up with everyone else and camp out on top?

Post by **Yasmeen** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:47 pm

Brilliant! Jrodan, you're more than welcome to hang on to the Subaru's back bumper. I think Buddy'll fit right in the Thule thingy on top of it, too. Might be a bit snug, but he'll thank you later.

Post by **charlie** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:55 pm

meetVA wrote:
charlie wrote:...Biggest possibility for drama will be blowing a tire on the rocks that are sticking up...
charlie, blowing A tire? How about 2!?!

Heh, no kidding. I kinda felt bad for those people but it's really kinda hard to not still be laughing about it. Who wants to bet I blow a tire on this trip just for the irony?

Post by **lordjim_2001** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:58 pm

Be prepared and bring two spares.