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Climbing and Scrambling in the Gore Range

Public Group active 1 week, 6 days ago

Have you done any technical climbing or ridge running in the Gore Range? Or are you just curious about the opportunities? Share your knowledge and ask questions here.

Gore Thumb Beta? (10 posts)

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  • Avatar Image Tom Pierce said 1 year, 8 months ago:

    A buddy and I are contemplating a trip into the Gores to try and summit a 5th class peak informally known as “Gore Thumb.” I’ve tried various sources and can find nothing about the difficulty or exposure. If it’s a low end climb (<5.4. limited exposure) we'd go ropeless. But if it's more we'd pack in all the climbing hardware…which I'd prefer to avoid given the lengthy approach. Does anyone have any relatively detailed info on this climb? Many thanks in advance,
    -Tom Pierce

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  • Avatar Image Theron said 1 year, 8 months ago:

    Dang, I don’t have my Kramarsic book with me right now, but I’m pretty sure that he didn’t have 5th class ratings in it, though I may be wrong. You’ve probably seen it in the distance: Gore Thumb is the prominent gendarme on the ridge between Peak “L” and Peak “M”. I’ve never been up there. My suggestion is to take a rope, some slings and a very modest amount of pro, and then give it a shot. It can’t be more than a pitch. The rope could be useful on rappel and, if it’s somehow harder than 5.4, you’ll be able to get up it. In all likely hood, if it’s harder, it will max out at 5.6, and just a couple of moves at that. Greater issue is it may be loose, so be careful to test the holds. :-)

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  • Avatar Image Tom Pierce said 1 year, 8 months ago:

    Many thanks, Theron. I’ll have to track that book down (although I think it’s out of print?). We may go after Peak T instead, I have a little bit of info on that and it looks like it’s basically a bouldering problem, ie no ropes, just a pair of rock shoes. We’ll see…Thanks again,
    -Tom

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  • Avatar Image Theron said 1 year, 8 months ago:

    There are a couple of articles on this site (Maps and Articles menu) on the ostensible first ascent of Peak “T”, with photos showing the last bouldering problem. It does look short (too short!), rated at 5.6-5.8, I think they said. I say, go for Gore Thumb and tag Peak “L” while you’re at it.

    Yep, the book is out of print. The DPL has a copy of it though.

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  • Avatar Image Dave Osbourne said 1 year, 8 months ago:

    The solitude guy named Joe may have some copies for sale, try him at his last known address. Box 1342 Dillon, CO 80435. Maybe he’ll autograph it for you if you ask nicely.

    Its fun to watch what one can find when googling for keywords.

    Peak L, 13,213

    http://pastie.org/1165971
    http://pastie.org/1165974

    Gore Thumb

    http://pastie.org/1165979

    Maybe that is what you are looking for?

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  • Avatar Image Jim Gabriel said 1 year, 8 months ago:

    Oddly enough…actually its not odd at all, spotted one Joe Kramarsic listed on the Hail Pk register today. I think it was from 3 days ago. Looks like he’s a fan of Hail Pk. He was there back in July also. Maybe you could bivy up on Hail Pk with $20 and he’ll just show up with a copy of said climbing guide. Better bring a few extra $. He might have to mail you a copy.

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  • Avatar Image Dave Osbourne said 1 year, 8 months ago:

    I have been up Hail Peak 3 times this season. His first 7/7/10 ascent was on the north face. Apparently he is trying to get to it in all matter of fashion. I don’t sign those things, but went up with D. Goldwater this spring, then lead two trips up to it with others, both were Snow/Hail/Zodiac Trifecta days.

    http://picasaweb.google.com/HikingPhotos2010/SnowHailZodiacViewLoop#
    http://picasaweb.google.com/HikingPhotos2010/SnowHailAndZodiacViewLoop#

    I suspect the one named Mr. K will be kind to send a copy in the mail without having to go up Hail :) Just mail him, or if you have his email send one with a kind word or two (or not). Its business, old out of print business.

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  • Avatar Image Tom Pierce said 1 year, 3 months ago:

    I’ve obviously been away for a bit, but many thanks for all the posts. I’m inclined instead to go after Peak T, given that it’s clearly 5th class while nothing seems to prove that for Gore Thumb. I’m on a quest to climb as many 5th class peaks as I can, really having fun doing so, hence my interest in the rating. I think (??) with a super light pack it’d be do-able as a long day hike/climb? Anyway, thanks again for the responses.
    -Tom

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  • Avatar Image Theron said 1 year, 3 months ago:

    Go for it! You’d be a real “Gore Range Hardman” if you pulled that off as a day trip! Might be a second or third ascent at most, I’d suspect.

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  • Avatar Image Dani said 11 months, 1 week ago:

    hey everyone! i saw on the favorite multiday hike forum that a couple of ppl have hiked to hail peak, snow peak, and mt valhalla. me and my husband saw this hike in a backpacker magazine and decided we would make it our first major multiday hike! we are attempting this on june 23 of this year! getting super close! we were wondering what “protection” different hikers take…we have bear spray and odorproof food bags…we were curious on how many ppl carried guns and if they think its worth it. also if you had any pointers or hints about this hike it would be great to hear!
    Thanks a bunch
    Dani

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