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Bouldering at the Perch?

Original Post
J. Broussard · · CordryCorner · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 50

Gonna be at the (Elephant) Perch next month.
I wasn't really thinking about bringing a rope because it's a family outing (ya know, wife and dogs), but maybe there's some craging potential and I should reconsider?

Thank you

EDIT: Updated the title from Cragin' to Bouldering, per wonderful suggestions.

Mikey Seaman · · Boise, ID · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 5

On your way to the perch, about an hour's walk from the boat shuttle drop off point, you'll cross the creek on some logs, to an island, and then cross off the island on more logs. You would have hiked upstream and turned left (south?) towards the creek to cross it. Instead, if you turn right, away from the creek, you will find the Super Slabs. Multipitch slab climbing, walk offs. It's not cragging per se, but you can find some easy and moderate routes. Might be some single pitch potential, maybe you could spot a slung tree...The closest "crag" would be down river, past Stanley, at Sunbeam. If you head up the Yankee Fork, a mile or so, you'll see some cragging cliffs. A handful of sport routes.

Greg Gavin · · SLC, UT · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 888

Don't bother with the rope if you don't have a partner. Just bring your fly rod, and approach shoes. You can scramble up to the top of the perch as well as several other satellite summits nearby.

J. Broussard · · CordryCorner · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 50

Thanks for the feedback and advise.

@Greg G.
with the dogs, I can't spend copious amounts of time off of the ground. Thus my thought for craging (the wife is my favorite climbing partner).

I looked through (almost) all the routes individually and don't see any that state the first pitch ends at a two bolt anchor. Maybe someone knows differently.

shakey · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 50

First off I feel bad for you because although it is an amazing place on its own, staring at the perch all day as a climber with no prospect of climbing it sounds maddening. But more to your point, no fixed anchors in the Sawtooths since the mid 90s so you are not likely to find any two bolt anchors, especially at the perch. I have heard of a single pitch 5.10 crack that has anchors (first pitch of an old aid route between myopia and becky) and also I believe the first pitch of becky route has fixed anchors of some sort. there are also fixed anchors used to rap at the end of the descent, it always seemed to me that there would be some fun topropes from there or near there, the top can be reached with a low 5th class scramble up the descent gully. Good luck! I would say it may not be worth hauling the rope up in your situation but if you can manage to bring a pad some world class bouldering awaits you.

J. Broussard · · CordryCorner · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 50
shakey wrote:First off I feel bad for you because although it is an amazing place on its own, staring at the perch all day as a climber with no prospect of climbing it sounds maddening.
I'm pretty easy. Spending time with loved ones in amazing place really does it for me. Climbing is cool too.

shakey wrote:Good luck! I would say it may not be worth hauling the rope up in your situation but if you can manage to bring a pad some world class bouldering awaits you.
Awesome, this sounds promising. Have you seen any boulders near the Saddleback Lakes? It would be cool to camp by the lake and the boulders!!
kirkadirka · · Down there somewhere · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 115

Yes, world class boulders are right at the lake. There might even be an opportunity for some deep water solo stuff (nothing big, maybe 25 feet?) on one of the lakes.

Mikey Seaman · · Boise, ID · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 5

You can deepwater solo the jump rock and leave your pad at home! There are a few scattered boulders one could climb...the last part of the approach to the lakes is steep, and I always seem to end up bushwacking part of the way, so a big pad might be a pain in the neck.

The scramble up to the perch, and any other nearby summits or lakes should be enough to keep you busy. The lakes are beautiful and campsites are amazing. The lakes resemble a lopsided number 8. Hit the first one, move to the constriction where the upstream one flows into the downstream, and continue around the of the lake right side to a great tent site. Or right at the constriction, there are plenty of flat spots and nice views.

Spencer Weiler · · Grand Junction · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 2,638

a route i posted. very fun climb. bring some webbing

mountainproject.com/v/unkno…

first pitch of fine line has fixed anchors. super good 11c pitch. 1st pitch beckey route does not.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern Utah & Idaho
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