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Elevation: 5,915 ft
GPS: 40.5681, -111.7706
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 29,126 total · 146/month
Shared By: bsmoot on Oct 16, 2007
Admins: Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C
Warning Access Issue: Gate Buttress Area Recreational Lease: Climbs on Church Buttress above vault remain closed DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Super Slab is the large, prominent low angle slab you see on the right side of LCC as you enter the canyon. The lower slabs have beautiful water polished granite while the upper slab offers great views.

HereÂ’s a bit of history on Super Slab: Harold Goodro first climbed there in the late 1930Â’s. In 1961, Layton Kor & Fred Becky climbed there next, shortly followed by Ted Wilson and others. George Lowe and Dave George made the first winter ascent in the 60's.

My first climbing on Super Slab was in 1976, where my brother Jonathan and I followed some of the natural crack systems and a few slab sections. In the 80Â’s and beyond, SS rarely got visited as new areas and rap bolted routes took off. In 2005, with encouragement from Ted, we decided to climb the blank areas using traditional, bolt protected, ground up technique. We have no way of knowing if these lines have ever been climbed before or not, but it seems unlikely since they stray away from crack systems and any belay spots. Most of the climbing is very easy, which may bore some climbers. Moderate climbing and setting may attract others. The pure friction on the lower slabs can feel quite different from day to day as the temperature and humidity varies. The season is amazingly short, unless you donÂ’t mind climbing in the heat. Summertime provides little, if any shade. Superslab drains a lot of water during spring time and after a rain. Spring and Fall are best. By October, the slab is mostly in the shade. When the river is flowing, a longer approach is necessary. For ice climbers, Avalanche danger is a real concern in winter.

There are some exciting overhanging hand cracks on the right side of the slab. Rockfall is an issue as climbers and Mountain Goats knock stuff off. Most of the gear needed is a small rack consisting of mostly small cams and TCUÂ’s. Almost all of the bolts are stainless steel, thanks to Jonathan. Most routes are set up for 2 rope raps (60m). You can descend with a single 70m rope from the top of Fallen Goat by doing the following: Rap that route, which includes a little brushy downclimbing (after the second rappel) to the midway ledges. From here, swing over climbers left to the Heart of Darkness route (black painted anchors). Rap from here to the ground.

Getting There Suggest change

The narrative:

Start at the Temple Quarry trail at the mouth of the canyon. Walk east for a few minutes along a dirt road to an old abandoned cement building. Cross the river here and follow a trail eastward for about 3 minutes. Cross a deep narrow streambed using a small wood bridge. Just past here a small cairn marks a fork in the trail. Hike uphill (south). Follow the trail for about 150' to a branch in the trail.  Continue strait up hill (if you go left, it goes to Hanging Slab) here for 30' to a small gully, cross here. The trail now hikes west for about 3-5 minutes eventually intersecting a major gully & cairn. Follow this steep gully up (south) to Super Slab. A steep, roofed section is avoided by hiking left via a short fixed rope. Thanks go to Jonathan for doing most of the trail work.

In Springtime, when the river is flowing, one must cross the stream at the bridge entering the Quarry parking area. A 10-15 minute bushwhack is required to get back to the trail.

9 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Super Slab

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
WI2
 5
Super Slab Ice
Trad, Ice 4 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 8
Goat Heaven
Trad 7 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 28
Fallen Goat
Trad 6 pitches
5.9- 5c 17 VI 16 HVS 4c
 7
Slippery Slab
Trad 4 pitches
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
 25
Super Crack
Trad 6 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Super Slab Ice
 5
WI2 Trad, Ice 4 pitches
Goat Heaven
 8
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 7 pitches
Fallen Goat
 28
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 6 pitches
Slippery Slab
 7
5.9- 5c 17 VI 16 HVS 4c Trad 4 pitches
Super Crack
 25
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad 6 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Super Slab »

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