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Summit Scramble Route

5.3 R, Trad, 1000 ft (303 m), Grade III,  Avg: 3.7 from 3 votes
FA: unknown
Colorado > Grand Junction… > Unaweep Canyon > Gateway Vicinit… > Gateway > Palisade

Description

The Palisade is a beautiful fin of sandstone reminiscent of the Rectory in Castle Valley. A little, mellow 4WD and a steep scramble up a rib leads into a climbing traverse via varied weaknesses in the cliff and onto the summit and remains of an old miner's cabin. There are some unique ’manufactured’ spots along the way on ledges and slabs. The web post listed below has an excellent description. The route is best done as a solo with a light 60m rope (or 30m rope and escaper) for rapping if so desired.  This is a fun adventure route, similar to the Parriott Mesa. This can be completed round-trip in ~3 hours by competent and fit folks.  

Location

The access to the trailhead is on BLM 804 Rd.

A webpost description: https://www.summitpost.org/the-palisade/1005007.

Protection

A few fixed 1” webbing rap anchors that may or may not exist.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The route has a few blasted and manufactured features along the way,
[Hide Photo] The route has a few blasted and manufactured features along the way,
The first climbing section - fun stuff.
[Hide Photo] The first climbing section - fun stuff.
A summit view looking south over Gateway.
[Hide Photo] A summit view looking south over Gateway.
The final climbing section.
[Hide Photo] The final climbing section.
The access road.
[Hide Photo] The access road.
The approach ridge and approximate line of ascent from the parking area.
[Hide Photo] The approach ridge and approximate line of ascent from the parking area.
Beal Escaper on a fixed cedar anchor.
[Hide Photo] Beal Escaper on a fixed cedar anchor.
Looking back along the mesa top and into Gateway.
[Hide Photo] Looking back along the mesa top and into Gateway.
Bivy accommodations.
[Hide Photo] Bivy accommodations.
The summit stash.
[Hide Photo] The summit stash.
Summit tools for making breakfast.
[Hide Photo] Summit tools for making breakfast.