Incredible Hulk Approach Conditions

James Huang wrote: How are the mosquitos? As bad as Tuolumne right now?

They are not great but they are not terrible. Just bring the bug spray. 

MacksWhineturd wrote: This is a gnarly thread...  Hope the young woman mentioned above is recovering...  Sending positive vibes!!

She is doing well

Anyone been this year.  Since its a low snow year, and I have never been, would mid June be good?

Brad, it might have been photos from a previous trip... but I feel like Benjamin D. & Katie Lambert were up there a few days ago. Maybe bring some light crampons for the snowfield, or at least trekking poles. but I think it's mostly melted out. 

Brad MacArthur wrote: Anyone been this year.  Since its a low snow year, and I have never been, would mid June be good?

I would think its good to go with a little snow possible.  Have you tried calling the ranger station for conditions?  Also would be good to ask if they are giving out permits due to covid?

My friend just told me the approach is snow free but the gully May have snow.  Thoughts on the gully decent with snow?  As of now you can reserve permits for the last week in June online, and I didn’t see any restrictions online that says the you can’t do the self issue permit.  

What about the parking for the approach? I thought that campground/RV joint was closed. 

Sky pilot is right, you'd likely have to park further away, adding some (but not tons) to the approach. & Brad- I think most people / parties choose to do the 'venturri' rappels at the Hulk (this is my only experience there) and there are many well equipped bolted belays on that route and elsewhere.. and with snow holding in the gully, probably more of a reason to rap. Maybe a 70 is best, check MP. or you'd probably want to bring crampons on the climb.

Colin Sander wrote: Sky pilot is right, you'd likely have to park further away, adding some (but not tons) to the approach. & Brad- I think most people / parties choose to do the 'venturri' rappels at the Hulk (this is my only experience there) and there are many well equipped bolted belays on that route and elsewhere.. and with snow holding in the gully, probably more of a reason to rap. Maybe a 70 is best, check MP. or you'd probably want to bring crampons on the climb.

It depends what route you're on -- most of the routes on the center or left side have access to the Venturi rappels (70m required, 80m is nice), but if you climb Red Dihedral (and/or want to actually summit), you'll be heading down the gully descent.

Maybe a 70 is best, check MP.

Definitely best with a 70m, and if you haven't rapped Venturi before, definitely read up on beta. There's an anchor toward the top that you'll want to skip, but don't.

but if you climb Red Dihedral (and/or want to actually summit), you'll be heading down the gully descent.

The traverse over to the Venturi raps from the top of the Red is doable. A route-finding challenge more than anything technically difficult, though it isn't scrambling: it's a pitch of traversing on the face (not up on the ridge), it's exposed, and you'll def want gear. We spent some time and energy trying to make it to the top of Venturi on the ridge, but couldn't crack the code. Went back to the face and found a pretty easy though non-obvious traverse that it seems lots of folks may use.

What's parking like at twin lakes? Is anyone camping in the Canyon, or just doing day trips?

Anyone have recent approach and parking beta?

Im planning on Matterhorn this weekend.  I know it isnt the hulk...  but it close amd can report back early next week.

Paid $15 to park at the marina area, right near the "toll booth" entrance to the campground. Roughly 1/4 mile walk through campground to get to TH. Camping is good to go up there, take proper measure with your food for bear, marmot, and other critters will feast while you send. Get's heavily used during peak season as well so be considerate and responsible with your pee and poop habits.The log river crossing is very straightforward, buy Peter Croft's book and get good directions to the climb. Snow is mostly avoidable at this point on approach with extra talus scrambling. Rappeled Venturi, 70 m worked well. Did at least one short rappel to be on the safe side.

Artem V wrote:

Did you rap Venturi after topping Red Dihedral? How was finding the traverse pitch to get to Venturi?

actually rapped venturi from top of 7th(?) pitch (not recommended, left bail gear) of Posi Vibes because of epic hail storm.

Approach conditions for the approach were clean before the weekend rain/snow.