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Anyone spent time in "16Z Area"- Paradox / Big Gypsym Valley?

Original Post
QGrochala Grochala · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 30

I came across this spot in one of my guidebooks, there wasn't a ton of info but they did describe it as a less crowded, less developed Indian Creek, which sounds pretty epic. Has Anyone spent time here / have advice on routes or camping? Cheers.

Nico C · · mt shasta, ca · Joined May 2013 · Points: 55

yeah it's great, but the creek it ain't - generally similar but smaller formations
way cool zone - find yourself a copy of Wild Wild West and check it out for sure

Fleetwood Matt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 620

Lots of elbow room in the Wild Wild West. Camp anywhere you want basically. Rock is Navajo sandstone at 16Z vs windgate at IC. Carpenter Ridge is windgate. I guess I shouldn't reveal too much info or else ruin the pioneering spirit of the place.
Expect loose rock, sandy cracks, rattlesnakes, gun-toting meth-head locals, sunburn, radiation poisoning, general lassitude, collapsed salt domes. It just gets worse and worse...

Doug Lintz · · Kearney, NE · Joined Apr 2004 · Points: 1,196

I've been to 16Z a couple times. It is definitely off the map and a great place for solitude. The only signs of civilization are the mine ruins along the road and some sort of large scale operation (Uranium? Gypsum? Kryptonite?) far across a valley to the SW. It's a long way from paved roads with no facilities, limited usable firewood and no water...plan accordingly. The campsites are fairly obvious right off the side of the road.

The climbing is similar to IC although there's far less of it. You won't find endless splitters here and most of the climbing is short. That said, there are some nice crack climbs and some fun sport routes. Accessing the climbing from camp requires some Class 3 or 4 scrambling (more adventure!). A little exploring might reveal more routes than what's in the Charlie Fowler guidebook. Enjoy.

QGrochala Grochala · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 30

Sweet! Pumped for some meth-smoking rattle snakes and short sport, thanks for the info all.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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