Old Man's Head on Bigelow mountain
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Does anyone have any info on the formation called Old Man's Head, on Bigelow? I've been developing routes on Little Bigelow, and now that I'm familiar with the geology of the range, I can't imagine there hasn't been some development of that crag. Or at least some exploration of it, with climbing in mind. This is taken from the summit of Little Bigelow. The shaded areas to the right of the crags are always shaded throughout the day. Giant overhangs? |
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I’ve ogled at this many times before while on trail runs in the region...established routes?—quite possibly!! |
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Do you mean the same Mt. Bigelow the AT runs right over?? https://goo.gl/maps/QZSY3Pp3bYbmZBqN7 |
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That's the one, Shaniac. |
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Looking at the topography in Google (3D mode) (strictly armchair research) it looks like the slabs are fairly low angle. Said another way, one can see why Little B is developed but why Big B may not be as much? https://goo.gl/maps/tAtvgA94FDx18vcU6 That said I would be 110% on board to do a recon weekend up there and see what could be found. (looking for old pitons, obvious lines, etc) This view is the best photo I could find. Plenty of potential for sure. upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe… Considering it is a 4K MT. someone at some point in time must have combed it looking for possibilities. |
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That’s a great pic, Shaniac. I’d wager there are some steeper lines up some the sharp aretes abutting the visible gullies. |
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Sweet! Let's set up a recon in July? Who is in? |
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So cool this area is getting some attention. I poked around in there years ago but didn't do any development, only dreamed of it. |
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If you guys want to mount a recon, I'm in. I've a camp a few minutes from the parking at the foot of the mountain and would be happy to host a base camp. I've also been (slowly, because of horrendous mosquitoes this year) starting to develop routes on Little Bigelow, and could use some second ascent opinions on the grades I've given the two I've got up, so far. |
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Quickest way to get to the old man's head, as far as I know, would be up the Safford Brook trail from East Flagstaff rd, on the north side. |
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Also Shaniac, that excellent pic is taken looking east at Avery. The old man's head would be on the far side and not visible. Great view of Little Bigelow south face beyond, as well. |