Crowders Mountain...first visit question

Hey all, I'm looking to take my 9yo to Crowders Mountain one day next week. I've read what I can find but have 2 specific unanswered questions.

1. The "Practice Wall"....can we WALK to the bottom after setting the Top Rope anchors? Or is a rappel necessary?

2. Are most of the Top Rope routes bolted or will I be building anchors using trees, rocks, etc.?

I don't climb...but my kid is loving it. I'll be there to belay, tie knots, ensure safety etc.

Tim,

From what I recall there are several places to set up top ropes off of bolted anchors around the practice wall area. From there you can scramble down to the base without the need for a rap. I would recommend helmets due to the hoards of people up top.

Tim Lau wrote:1. The "Practice Wall"....can we WALK to the bottom after setting the Top Rope anchors? Or is a rappel necessary?

You can easily walk down (climber's left) from the top of the Practice Wall to the bottom. It's also pretty easy to scramble to the top of David's Castle to toprope stuff like Ooga Chocka and Overhang Direct.

Tim Lau wrote:2. Are most of the Top Rope routes bolted or will I be building anchors using trees, rocks, etc.?

It's been awhile since I've been there, but I recall there being bolts atop the popular stuff. Bringing some extra cordage to utilize natural anchors might give you more options for stuff to climb though.

rosslbeard12 wrote:Tim, From what I recall there are several places to set up top ropes off of bolted anchors around the practice wall area. From there you can scramble down to the base without the need for a rap. I would recommend helmets due to the hoards of people up top.

thank you!

Chuck Parks wrote: You can easily walk down (climber's left) from the top of the Practice Wall to the bottom. It's also pretty easy to scramble to the top of David's Castle to toprope stuff like Ooga Chocka and Overhang Direct. It's been awhile since I've been there, but I recall there being bolts atop the popular stuff. Bringing some extra cordage to utilize natural anchors might give you more options for stuff to climb though.

Thanks!

Use some caution hanging out below practice wall. Since this is directly below the point where the main stairs summit, you never know what might land on your head. I found an iPhone down there recently.

Tim Lau wrote: 1. The "Practice Wall"....can we WALK to the bottom after setting the Top Rope anchors? Or is a rappel necessary?

You can walk to the bottom after setting up anchors.

Tim Lau wrote:2. Are most of the Top Rope routes bolted or will I be building anchors using trees, rocks, etc.? I don't climb...but my kid is loving it. I'll be there to belay, tie knots, ensure safety etc.

Almost all the toprope routes have bolts. You'll want a good-sized cordelette to rig anchors, as some are set back a ways or you need to clear an edge.

All good beta already. I will second, wear a helmet below practice wall and David's castle. We've been hit with a tshirt and nearly missed with ice and a soda bottle. I believe the park doesn't want climb using tree anchors, so most everything popular is bolted. Bring long webbing or cord to extend anchors.

Made the trip today with extended family member in tow. After reading about how crowded it can get I was surprised to be the only climbers around. We stayed on the practice wall below the stairs.

My boys had fun, I got to validate what I thought I knew about setting TR anchors and we all had a great day!