Little Bear
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So I did Little Bear about 10 years ago without ropes/pro by myself. The 3 people I'm going up with in August would be much more comfortable and safe roped up. I've read different reports and some vary a bit. |
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Lots of good information in this 14ers.com thread. Having only been in the "hourglass" on Little Bear once and up the NW Face four times, I enjoyed the experience up the NW face a great deal more. But I would not take any beginners up that route. |
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A rope on the hourglass is more of a hazard (for you and others on the route) than anything else. There is a ton of loose rock above and in the hourglass, so the last thing you want is a rope dragging across the stuff and knocking it down. The rock is not of a quality that I would bother sticking gear in anyway, so don't bother taking a rack. |
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If your friends are adventurous and in good shape you might look into the Southwest Ridge, which is supposedly the easiest route on Little Bear Peak. The reason few climb it is because the easiest access is from private land, but you can still get to the base by bushwhacking from the lower part of the Lake Como road. Google "Little Bear Southwest Ridge" for trip reports and more info. |