A little bit higher up and to the west from Tower 1 is Tower 2.
One climber who truly loved Hellgate and Tower 2, in particular, and was instrumental in it's development was Mugs Stump. Despite his impressive Alaskan accomplishments, he would frequently prefer to "hit up the Hellgate" first thing after returning to the Wasatch from other worldwide endeavors. His eyes would light up when he would talk about Hellgate....as if it was Moose's Tooth or something!
Again, a great place to beat the heat in the summer, very susceptible to rockfall, natural, from other climbers, and mountain goats lounging above. Sunny and pleasant in the summer months, but probably 20 degrees cooler than lower Little Cottonwood Canyon. In the winter and spring months, beware of avalanches and avalanche control. Please be smart when climbing here.
A helmet is very strongly recommended.
Getting There
Little Cottonwood Canyon. Park as for Main Hellgate and hike up the trail. The approach time is about 15 minutes.
This route makes the drive, the hike and the risk of being struck by a large falling rock in the Shooting Gallery...WORTH IT! Continuously difficult for the rating, vertical with technical and commiting movement, complete with an airy finish and a view to remember. The limestone is golden colored and not as compact as other routes. There are still a few loose rocks on this route....[more]
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