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tekewin Posts: 371
9/27/2020
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Back in January, I made an attempt on Lookout Knob, a 100' rock spire in Hellhole Flat. I didn't find a way up then so went back for another try.
While there is no easy way to Hellhole Flat, I took Buford's advice to approach from the west. I started on Cherry Canyon Road and went over the saddle south of the Thimble. From there, it was downhill cross country to the base of Lookout Knob. The terrain was not too brushy, but was rippled with a few dry stream crossings. I brought some climbing gear, but found a much better scramble route this time from the northwest and ended up not needing it. There were a couple of exposed class 3 moves and two ledge traverses to reach the top. I placed a register below the summit block in a plastic sandwich box. It was a really nice day, but did get warm on the way back which was mostly uphill. It was 55F in the morning, but about 90F when I got back. Felt great to get back in the desert. 9.3 miles, 7 hours, ~2850' gain. Full report.
Coming down from the saddle below the Thimble
Almost to the base of Lookout Knob
Entrance to northwest scramble route
This was the crux move with a ledge you can't see going left above it
Summit block
Placed a register below the summit block
Heading back
Got a little sloppy on the way back with some unnecessary ridge climbing
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Brian Posts: 226
9/27/2020
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Nice pics. I don't like exposed climbs so this one isn't going on my todo list. But I can appreciate it vicariously.
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Rocko1 Posts: 597
9/29/2020
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Great trip. I have really been jonesing to get back to AB. Hard part is deciding my first spot.
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rockhopper Posts: 668
9/29/2020
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Nice trip report and photos. Ditto what Rocko1 said. The hardest moves and most fear is going down with no rope.
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ziphius Posts: 911
9/30/2020
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Great trip report. I still need to explore the Thimble area.
--
http://www.coyotelearning.org
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tekewin Posts: 371
9/30/2020
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rockhopper wrote:
Nice trip report and photos. Ditto what Rocko1 said. The hardest moves and most fear is going down with no rope.
This one is not really that bad. No worse than the Thimble as long as you find the best route. The rock is better on the Thimble, though.
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tekewin Posts: 371
9/30/2020
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ziphius wrote:
Great trip report. I still need to explore the Thimble area.
Yes! It's an amazing area. I still have the Hob benchmark to climb near there and I want to spend half a day just exploring Hellhole Flat when it cools off a little. I'm psyched about winter and desert season.
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Scooter Posts: 114
10/4/2020
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tekewin wrote:
ziphius wrote:
Great trip report. I still need to explore the Thimble area.
Yes! It's an amazing area. I still have the Hob benchmark to climb near there and I want to spend half a day just exploring Hellhole Flat when it cools off a little. I'm psyched about winter and desert season.
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Scooter Posts: 114
10/4/2020
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Does anyone know if Anza Borregos dirt roads are open ? Thinking of going up to Whale and takin Pinyon Mtn road. Thanks in advance Scooter
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tekewin Posts: 371
10/4/2020
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Scooter wrote:
Does anyone know if Anza Borregos dirt roads are open ? Thinking of going up to Whale and takin Pinyon Mtn road. Thanks in advance Scooter
Yes, they are open. This is from the official web site updated September 20:
What is open now?
The following is open at this park:
- Backcountry Unpaved Roads
- Hell Hole Day-use Area: for day-use activities only from sunrise to sunset.
- Sunrise Trail Head Parking / Day-use Areas
- Camping (developed and primitive)
- Dispersed Backcountry Camping
- Coyote Canyon Above 3rd Crossing
- North Coyote Canyon / Turkey Track Access Gate
- Peg Leg Primitive Camping Area
- Culp Valley Primitive Camping Area
- Borrego Palm Canyon Full Hookup Campsites
- Borrego Palm Canyon Day-use (Borrego Palm Canyon Trail Map)
- Tamarisk Grove Campground Campgrounds
- Arroyo Salado Primitive Camp
- Blair Valley Primitive Camp
- Yaqui Pass Primitive Camp
- Yaqui Well Primitive Camp
- Bow Willow Primitive Camp
- Mt. Palm Springs Primitive Camp
- Fish Creek Primitive Camp
- Very limited parking is now available to the public.
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Scooter Posts: 114
10/4/2020
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Thank you I knew some in this group would know.
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Rocko1 Posts: 597
10/5/2020
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Scooter wrote:
Thank you I knew some in this group would know.
If you go please report on the road condition. I am curious how it's held up.
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deborah Posts: 115
10/26/2020
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Nice!!! I love that area.
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