Yet another Tahoe thread, but a question.

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Messages 1 - 12 of total 12 in this topic

Brandon-

climber

Done With Tobacco

Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 7, 2011 - 08:31pm PT

I used to spend some time every winter around Pig Rock. Climbing, bouldering, exploring, pulling holds off as I crashed to the deck, watching campfire rocks explode,goofing off, dodging drunk 'sportsmens' bullets, etc...

My question is, what's the formation above the canyon?

I think it's called the wolfs tooth or something similar.

I always had good intentions of going up there to explore, but nights around the campfire seemed to kill the motivation for the trudge up to what's probably choss.

It always looked fun though.

Anyone been up there? The views from Pyramid to Rose must be sweet!

Brandon-

climber

Done With Tobacco

Topic Author's Reply - Mar 7, 2011 - 08:35pm PT

SW of pig would be across the road.

As you drive out to pig, this is the prominent pinnacle on the ridge in front of you.

EDIT; assuming you're coming from Pyramid Way.

Jaybro

Social climber

Wolf City, Wyoming

Mar 7, 2011 - 08:40pm PT

I think he means that tooth like spire higher up...

i've never been up there but heaard there are routes.

I've climbed in Steve's area you mentioned.

OT

Drove out there (little shop) once took a wrong turn and got stuck. Had jack up the truck with a handyman and pile rocks under the wheel that was in the air. Twice I did that and shot the rocks out backward. My daughter, young enough to be strapped into a kid seat in the back looked at me and said, "You're not doing a very good job" Third time was the charm though!

from later that day;

Brandon-

climber

Done With Tobacco

Topic Author's Reply - Mar 7, 2011 - 08:44pm PT

It looks like it's about two pitches, not too steep.

I was hoping you'd have some beta Ron, you should go check it out for me! I'm too far away.

The drive alone would be an adventure.

:)

Edit; I've gotten lost every time I've tried to find Contra Cyn, if that's the area on the S side of Pyramid Way.

Brandon-

climber

Done With Tobacco

Topic Author's Reply - Mar 7, 2011 - 08:54pm PT

I've camped out there, you go through a wash and there's this big (40') plug on the right at the mouth of the cyn where the jeep trail meets back up with the wash, no?

I've wandered the other side of the road (pyramid wy) looking for an area that was WAY too vaguely described.

I really liked going out there in the winter, such a welcome respite from the snow.

Brandon-

climber

Done With Tobacco

Topic Author's Reply - Mar 7, 2011 - 09:15pm PT

That's a good map.

If you head that way, take some pictures. I love it out there.

If you head up the steep hill beyond Pig, you find some great low, pocketed formations. Not good for climbing, but it's a sweet spot to camp.

The Dude

climber

Truckee, CA

Mar 7, 2011 - 09:21pm PT

Head's up with Contra, last time I drove out there (prob about 5 years ago) most the routes had missing hangers.

adventurous one

Trad climber

Truckee Ca.

Mar 18, 2011 - 03:43pm PT

That spire, the one you can see from many miles away, is called Needle Rock. I,ve soloed up that thing several times. Fabulous views from the summit of Pyramid Lake and the Virginia Mountains. The only obvious easy route to the top involves some, slightly loose, 5.5-5.7 climbing (It's in the new North Tahoe guidebook due in stores in early May btw) LOTS of loose rock on other possible (harder)routes. I attempted to solo up from another side but backed off due to lots of loose choss. Certainly many possibilities, including moderates, for adventurous types that don't mind lousy rock. There are no bolts or permanent anchors (and should not be)on this backcountry landmark, as it is sacred to the local Indian Tribe. There are boulders on top to rap from if you decide to bring a rope. The spire is roughly 160' tall. It is about a 50 minute, brisk, uphill slog to the base of the spire from the end of the dirt road. VERY cool pinnacle summit.