how much skill needed to climb devils tower

I have an Oppurtunity To climb the Durrance route but am not sure how much skill is needed to do this. I would not be doing any leading and would be going with a group. What should I expect is this something a climber of one year can do or should i wait awhile. I would love to do this but dont want to be in over my head.

Thanks

none

Sounds like a great opportunity to get in some great multi-pitch experience and summit Devils Tower at the same time. You should go for it!

It's the getting down that's even more enjoyable

P2 (or link P1-2) I thought was the crux, but it takes handsized no problem, along with some good stemming. If I remember, bolts at every stop.

There's a hot springs on the top, also!

howd'ya git yer ropes up'ere?

right, & if anyone asks you if you got there to the top, just say:

nope we fell 10' from it but luckily landed feet first on the ground.

I thought that the route with all of the fence posts was pretty easy... ;)

Helps to know how to chimney. And remember when they ask which side you climbed tell them "the outside of course".

mike526 wrote:I have an Oppurtunity To climb the Durrance route but am not sure how much skill is needed to do this. I would not be doing any leading and would be going with a group. What should I expect is this something a climber of one year can do or should i wait awhile. I would love to do this but dont want to be in over my head. Thanks

Bring water, it feels longer than it is, and the rap is forever too (especially with a group).

Glen, did you break up the pitches to make sure your boy was good or did he just follow regular? No falls for you I guess with that belayer.

Steve

mcarizona wrote:Bring water, it feels longer than it is, and the rap is forever too (especially with a group). Glen, did you break up the pitches to make sure your boy was good or did he just follow regular? No falls for you I guess with that belayer. Steve

Before you know it Glenn, he'll be the ropegun.

I though this Rappell photo was pretty cool. this guy has a bunch of other photos on his photo site that you guys would like.

Woodchuck ATC wrote:Uhh, I've tried 3 times to link to that 'rappel' photo and only get complete internet and computer lockup, virus alerts and shutdown. Just insert the photos if you can to avoid risky site linkups.

I think that if you have been climbing for one year, the Durrance Route is doable as long as you are in good overall physical shape. The climbing on the route doesn't really involve any advanced techniques; however, it is surprisingly physical for a climb of that grade.

As long as you have the physical stamina to thrutch around in chimneys and wide cracks for most of the day, and can stand being in the hot sun for a long time, you should be fine.

more than anything else, you need to know how to deal with a stuck rope while you are rapelling. if you don't, you could get yourself into a pickle real quick.

mike526 wrote:I have an Oppurtunity To climb the Durrance route but am not sure how much skill is needed to do this. I would not be doing any leading and would be going with a group. What should I expect is this something a climber of one year can do or should i wait awhile. I would love to do this but don't want to be in over my head. Thanks

This Is all great info and yes you can climb it, you just worm the whole darn thing anyways! I hope you like squeeze. go find a 3-4in crack and mess around on it if your worried. O and getting down is harder than the climb! We experienced the wonders of a stuck rope and our day turned into a night, FAST!

Haha, hey spn, we were in the group from Boulder who went up the day after you get your ropes stuck! Thanks for the beers!

kirra wrote: 1. get there *very early* (be 1st) 2. everyone in your party should wear a helmet 3. have fun & say hi to Frank Sanders if you see him..!! cheers ~k

Frank and crew haul people up that route all day, people who've never climbed before. You won't have a problem following.

Kirra right, be there EARLY! Like 5:30 am, at the base.

Watch out for the herd of tiny buffalo up there. They're quite aggressive.