Astroelephant beta??

Thinking about doing Astroelephant on the Elephants Perch soon. Any gear suggestions? I think the topo suggest gear to 3.5", do I really need a 4 Camalot or can we get by with just a 3?

Anyone know how bad the bugs have been?

Do you need a permit to camp up there?

fixed gear at 1st pitch crux. Can't remember up higher but we probably did with only a 3.

bugs were bad 3 weeks ago.

free permit at trailhead

have fun...

wilcox510 wrote:Thinking about doing Astroelephant on the Elephants Perch soon. Any gear suggestions? I think the topo suggest gear to 3.5", do I really need a 4 Camalot or can we get by with just a 3? Anyone know how bad the bugs have been? Do you need a permit to camp up there?

You should email Brad just to check (his TR is referenced). Old topo says #4 friend. 3 camalot might work ok. Maybe some folks take doubles...

I seem to recall, yeah, you need a permit to camp, not specifically to climb, in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Free I think. Not sure folks actually get one?

A permit is obtained at the Redfish lake inlet, which is reached either by the boat or hike around the lake. It's free, just grab a slip out of the obvious box at the start of the trailhead and attach it to your pack. Bugs were bad in morning and evening. Highly recommend "the fine line" instead of Astro if you can lead one tough 11c pitch. Also MP has a great topo of this route.

When we did it we did not have a #4 and that was fine. It wanders a bit so keep a topo handy. Pretty good route though. There is an easier variation to the first (crux) pitches but I haven't done that. Bugs should be getting better now too.

SP beta page

my tr from 2 yrs ago

enjoy - great route.