Talk about a trip you took out to Anza Borrego
Lookout Knob
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tekewin Posts: 385
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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+1
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Brian Posts: 249
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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+1
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Rocko1 Posts: 615
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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+1
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tekewin Posts: 385
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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+1
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deborah Posts: 115
10/26/2020
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Nice!!! I love that area.
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+1
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