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Indian Ridge Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in (ww) Indian Ridge

L › R R › L A › Z

	[Redacted] T 5.1 2 6 II 7 MD 2a X
	Leaning Brave, Pale Face T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Peawabe Spiral, Direct Variation T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b X

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Elevation:	2,648 ft
GPS:	44.3657, -121.143 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	5,918 total · 30/month
Shared By:	Monomaniac on Nov 29, 2006
Admins:	Kevin MP, Nate Ball, Micah Klesick Page Updates (admin only)

Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Nesting Closures Details

There are many seasonal raptor closures with varying dates and specific boundaries. These generally effect The Monument, Kiss of the Lepers, Picnic Lunch Wall and/or Smith Rock group, and possibly elsewhere. These usually run from February to the beginning of August, but each closure is usually shorter than this, and is dependent on the birds' behavior. Check this site for details: smithrock.com/seasonal-clos…

Description

Indian Ridge is the distant skyline visible to the North from various summits in the main Smith Rock area. The Ridge is home to the iconic "Squaw Rock". It has been said that you cannot call your self a true Smith hardman until you have ascended this remote spire.

The routes here are full-on adventure climbs. All routes feature little to no gear (which is good news for the approach hike), an hour-plus walk, and complete solitude.

Getting There

The quickest, most legal approach seems to be to head over Asterix Pass from the main area, follow the river trail past the Monkey, then up on to the plateau above the rimrock after passing the Kiss of the Lepers cliffs. From here, head NE to the exit of the Canal tunnel, then follow the canal to the next tunnel (under Gunsight rock). Start scrambling up Indian Ridge at this point, aiming for the lowest pinnacle on the ridge, Gunsight rock. Squaw Rock is further on up the ridge. Various lesser spires dot the hill slopes on either side of the ridge. Most of these smaller spires are forgettable, but some offer excellent climbing.

It seems that the entire Indian Ridge area is located on public property, unlike Mendenhall Ridge, so there should not be access issues. However, this is the wild west, so its probably best to keep a low profile just in case.