Wildcat Ravine

Wildcat gets a fraction of the traffic of its busy neighbor (Buttermilk). The often-untracked approach and the longer slogs between pitches seem to put most folks off. Still, its striking top pitch is the tallest ice pitch of all the ravines. It is often climbed as an add-on by folks after topping out Buttermilk. Nearby is the grade 5+ Wildman, a candidate for the ravines' most challenging ice pitch. There are also a few mixed routes in the ravine ranging from M4 to M8.

Wildcat lies between Hillyer/Viola and Buttermilk. It can be approached directly (guidebook directions are excellent) or one can follow the tote road towards Hillyer until the first junction at the only "plateau" on the approach; bearing R here will lead quickly to Hillyer creek. Cross this and contour right (west) 10 minutes through open woods to reach Wildcat creek. Approaching this way eliminates the stressful crossing of the Kaaterskill Creek.

Typical ravine rack. Just a few screws for the lower pitches, then quite a few more for the 100' top pitch. If you're visiting from Buttermilk, you'll probably just rap the top pitch off your own sling anchor. One can alternatively rap down the cliffband 100-200' off to either side of the top pitch; there's usually fat, grade 3 ice to play on on these side walls (see guidebook).