Slab from Hell Climbing
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GPS: |
39.28957, -106.56189 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 9,374 total · 36/month |
Shared By: | Bryan Gall on Oct 21, 2003 |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Description
This large chunk of granite is visible from the Chapman Dam. It is a striking south facing four hundred+ foot ramp directly underneath the Hagerman Pass road. It can be found on some USGS topos as "Hell's Gate". It is possible to descend from above, but the lower approach from the gauging station is easiest. Located about five hundred yards from the road, it is necessary to cross a boulder field on the approach. Bolted routes as well as trad lines ascend the sides and middle of the rock. Debris from the old railroad line can be seen in the talus field to the left (west). Power lines descend from cliff faces to the right (east). It is easily possible to log over a thousand feet in one afternoon without touching the same route on this rock. The three to four pitch must-do gem "Straight Through the Gate's of Hell" ascends the center of the slab using a little gear and mostly bolts.
Getting There
Approach from Basalt (CO Hwy 82) on the Frying Pan River Rd. Where the pavement ends, take a right on the lower dead end gauging station road. Park on the road in front of the obvious four hundred foot slab. Walk through the meadow and across the boulder field to the rock (approx. 26 miles from Basalt, 3 miles on gravel). Or, take a left where the pavement ends onto the Hagerman Pass Road, a sign says six miles to Hell's Gate. After driving six miles, look for the power lines and descend the slab from above. Or, come over Hagerman Pass from Leadville by way of Turquoise Lake, look for the power lines and descend the slab from above (unknown mileage).
Classic Climbing Routes at Slab from Hell
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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