Climbing in the Evolutions
|
Just read this on the Evolution Traverse page - |
|
Disclaimer: I haven't done the traverse, but have been in the area. |
|
We went Fourth of July during what I think was a normal year and found just enough snow and water in spots. Much later, and we would have had to work hard for liquid. |
|
Again, understanding that I'll be watching conditions myself, but looking for a ballpark estimate based on historical weather patterns, what do you think is the earliest we could get back there to do this route? Thanks for your responses. |
|
My concern isn't so much getting water, but how early we can start thinking of tackling the traverse. |
|
SwC wrote:My concern isn't so much getting water, but how early we can start thinking of tackling the traverse.That's greatly dependent on your ability and experience. A winter traverse of the Evolutions was done a couple of years ago, so you can do it anytime, if you're prepared and capable. Here's an answer for you: Go in May. |
|
|
|
There should be a lot less snow slogging if you get after it this year. |
|
Yeah, Dobson, that's what I was thinking, what with CA's abysmal snowpack. Thanks all for your responses, including that TR. See you in the mountains! |
|
One more question: I'm torn between doing the Evolution Traverse or the Palisade Traverse. For those of you familiar with both routes - which do you consider to be more spectacular? I've heard Peter Croft referenced as saying he thought the Evolution was the finest ridge run in the Sierras, but I haven't seen that quote in print, myself. |
|
SwC wrote:One more question: I'm torn between doing the Evolution Traverse or the Palisade Traverse. For those of you familiar with both routes - which do you consider to be more spectacular? I've heard Peter Croft referenced as saying he thought the Evolution was the finest ridge run in the Sierras, but I haven't seen that quote in print, myself.I think that Croft has not yet done the Full Palisade. The only info I have on that route comes from the Pullharder guys, however. I do know that my experience on the Evo was one of the best climbing-like adventures of my life. What makes it great is not the individual sections of climbing, but the entire package. The exploration, the rock, the hunger and exhaustion, these are what made it memorable. |
|
I have done Evolution and sections of the Palisade traverse. The rock is better on Evolution and the routefinding is more straightforward. |
|
I think you could reasonably go there and do it in late May early June. Just watch for thunderstorms early in the season. LOL And through the summer. It would be great to have snow on the ridge to melt, and you will certainly find it in late May/early June, even in a light snow year. This is the third year in a row that there was below average precip. |
|
I climbed a few routes on Temple Crag last year (including Sun Ribbon). It did get me psyched for the Palisades, the views were unreal. I think I'm coming down in May to tag Fishhook/Mithril on Russel or a few routes on Lone Pine, maybe Bear Creek or Goode, depending on weather/snow. I love, love, LOVE the Sierras. I grew up in SoCal and spent my youth hiking in them. |
|
If you still want to do a shorter, but still fun link-up on your trip I can recommend Temple (Moon Goddess or Venusian) to T-bolt, or Sill for something shorter. |
|
I think I saw the mountains in CA got a bit more snow recently. Anyone have an idea of what we're looking at snow-pack wise for the next month? |
|
"CA snowpack" typed in into Google search revealed: |