Hey MP folks,

Any recommendations for a Sunday to Sunday trip from Minnesota. We are looking for moderate (up to mid 10) alpine rock routes that we won't have to cue up to get on. The less people we see the better.

We've kicked around RMNP and the Cirque of the Towers in the Winds, but every time I've been to these places we see tons of people. Are weekdays better? Any other suggestions for other places, or routes that are good but may not be crowded

Thanks in advance.
Jeff

You should go to the Needles of South Dakota. Great rock-alpine feel.

Lots of stuff fits what you're looking for in the Tetons (in a slightly easier grade range). North face of Wister (east chimney) is 5.7, a bit loose, but a wild setting.

There is some other stuff on the north end of the park (Rolling Thunder, West Cleaver areas) that might fit the bill.

Lots of stuff in the Winds too....just don't go to the Cirque of the Towers. Titcomb is a bit more wild, and other basins are even better.

The closest snow capped mountains to you are the Bighorns of Wyoming. Some fine alpine routes but somewhat long approaches. Beautiful sometimes overlooked range.

Would agree with the Black Hills option. You would get more "bang" for your rock climbing buck, however you will be in the middle of the Sturgis Cycle Rally. That can have some entertainment value however.

Check out the various routes that can be done on Mount Moran in Grand Teton National Park. I've never done any of them, but most of them look like great routes that are well within your ability. Probably fewer people are on these routes compared to those on the Grand Teton. Another option is the Bighorns, but I understand the hikes in are quite long (which would eat up a lot of time). Areas of the Wind Rivers that are more remote than the Cirque de Towers will also be time-consuming and difficult to get to (e.g., Dutch Oven Lake, Bonneville Peaks, etc.) Maybe climbing at Devils Tower, the Needles, Spearfish Canyon and Mount Rushmore would be the best option because they are closest to you (that's where I almost always wound up going when I lived in Minnesota).

I've climbed in the Needles, Rushmore, and Spearfish a ton and was looking for some multipitch to get my partners up on. (Being from MN if there is a chance for long routes, we'll make the hike) DT is too hot, but the Bighorns intrigue me. Anyone have info on routes (or peaks) in the Bighorns?

This may help.

http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/170884/big-horn-range.h>>>>>

Found this on the Teton Gravity Research site:

"If you enjoy rock climbing, Cloud Peak Wilderness and the peak itself offer opportunities for climbing some nice granite faces. Tensleep Canyon offers the chance to climb limestone cliffs. If you want to climb, you should locate local rock climbers to find the currently popular routes. I'd contact Big Horn Mountain Sports in Sheridan for information. It used to be a good store, and if it's still in business, they can probably help you."

I called Bighorn Mountain Sports, and they in turn referred me to Backcountry Bikes in Sheridan at (307) 672-2463. Give'm a jingle and see what they have to say.