Post date: Apr 29, 2013 4:59:27 AM
The last summer saw a lot of exploration of the lower Bear River gorge and great route development for people of all climbing levels. If you are comfortable navigating the backcountry, this is an excellent place to have a few days of adventure!
The longest lines put up were two 5.6 trad routes on the spire of Downriver Wall of Silver Dome. Four or more pitches of 5.6 trad climbing with good crack and low angle rock makes for a nice leisurely climb. Two ways to get to the base- rappel down the spire wall or use the Red Dome rappel route to get to the base of Silver Dome and then walk downstream until you can access the routes.
The most route development occurred on the west side of the Gorge; between Daffy Dome and Big Dome about 6 new lines were put up from easy 5.6 toprope lines to unrepeatable hard exploration lines, around 5.11+ or 5.12. Daffy Dome was scoured well and some great gems were discovered on the East Face. Huckleberry Wall, Side Wall, and the East Wall all saw route activity, both lead climbs (East Wall) and toprope lines (Huckleberry Wall and Side Wall).