any good easier alpine routes for the month of April.
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Looking for a possible good beginneer alpine rock route for the beginning of April. I know that this is the time of year most places get a lot of snow. Would prefer to stay in the US and keep the grade on the lower end of the spectrum 5.7 being the limit. Not sure what conditions are like this time of year in the sierra's. |
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So you're looking for "alpine," but no snow? What are you actually looking for? |
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I don't mind snow, I would prefer more of an alpine rock climb than a snow slog consisting of nothing but post-holing. I'm up for anything really just looking for some suggestions. |
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Mike, because alpine rock routes are, by name, in the mountains, the Sierra will still be quite snowy. Some of the south or east-facing routes may be doable in April in the Sierra, but expect it to be chilly! There would probably be snow on ledges and shaded areas of the climb, and be prepared for a snow-travel approach. |
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I climbed Mt Whitney in the middle of April of 2012, and we got 1-2 feet of snow on the hike in, and woke up to 4F at Upper Boyscout Lake on summit morning. Took the Mountaineers' Route to the summit, and was glad I hadn't planned on climbing rock bare-handed. |
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April is about my favoite time to be out in the high mountains. Because it's a great season for mountaineering on skis. Being good on ungroomed snow on skis makes everything easier faster way more fun. So if you want to do "alpine" stuff in April: Learn to ski.
? might also consider some mid-altitude cliff which is not normally thought of as "alpine" -- but might feel alpine in April ? like maybe a warm day on Granite Chief ? (never done it) for easy access ? Anyway (esp. if you don't ski) your best bet for easier access -- by plowed roads and mechanical lifts -- to high rock routes is to go to Europe: "alpine" as in Alps. Ken |