Trip Report
Steamboat Towers, Reno
Thursday June 30, 2016 8:25pm
What... you've never heard of it?
Probably 'cause nobody's ever named it. Or climbed it. Or wanted to. Or thought it would be worth it.

Well, I'm just dumb enough to think a little four-wheeling, a short hike, and a rack full of gear in 90 degree heat, just me myself and I, would be fun. Or at least the prospect of hanging around in my office with a bunch of movers and some very loud construction might be about as much fun as talking to the wall on the gun threads. But I digress (or maybe devolve? fuzzy...).

I left work around 11am and drove up the access road to the radio towers above Steamboat Springs and the expensive new Galena Creek Bridge. It's not really Outback friendly; but you could maybe do it without needing a new oil pan. Maybe.
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Having scouted it, and not wanting to be chided for taking exceptional risks by my wife again, I threw some pins and a hammer on the harness and headed out all loaded up for bear. I only saw deer and birds though.
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The route I picked takes gear pretty well. You gotta pay attention. There's some portable holds on it. I'd call it mostly 5.5-5.6. There are good rests and a couple fair size ledges to hang out on. The upper part might be 5.7ish. The top needs a couple thoughtfully placed bolts. I placed every draw and sling while climbing, thus cutting my racking sling to build a rap anchor. Oh, and some of it in the heat was nearly too hot to keep hold of, baking in the sun out there!
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Don't judge. I tested carefully before committing, and kept the Silent Partner on, pulling rope through in the opposite direction as I rapped, in case the anchor pulled, it would become a lead fall on gear.
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All was good, and I call it a success. Made it back to work by 3pm to answer emails and questions. There's other rock with similar routes, and probably some bouldering. I can just about guarantee you won't have lines.
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Route: Hot Rocks 80ft 5.7 pro to #3 BD, micros.
Area: Steamboat Towers

I gota go put the kids to bed. Will add pictures later.
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  Trip Report Views: 1,801
jonnyrig
About the Author
jonnyrig needs more time to get out and some namaste.

Comments
Mungeclimber

Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
  Jun 30, 2016 - 08:46pm PT
Is it later yet?
jonnyrig

climber
Author's Reply  Jul 1, 2016 - 06:28am PT
L8r g8rs.
O.D.

Trad climber
LA LA Land
  Jul 1, 2016 - 06:49am PT
In the photo with your hand, the rock texture looks deliciously gritty. Thanks for sharing the experience!
Jaybro

Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
  Jul 1, 2016 - 06:51am PT
Nice! Ive done some wandering near there. There is a big blobby unit that has a plaque on top that says, " Thinking rock" is this anywhere near that?
Maybe an approach map?

Cheers on your adventure!,
jonnyrig

climber
Author's Reply  Jul 1, 2016 - 06:58am PT
Uh oh... If Jaybro was there it might not actually be a FA. Never seen the plaque, but it's only my 2nd time up there.
Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber
Out Of Bed
  Jul 1, 2016 - 06:59am PT
No time now



Wow!


Cold would be nice
Capt.

climber
some eastside hovel
  Jul 1, 2016 - 08:53am PT
Bummer. My buddy just sold his house in Galena Heights. He coulda been the 'Mayor' of this new, up and coming crag/destination. ;-)

Seriously though, nice job gettin' out jrig.
skcreidc

Social climber
SD, CA
  Jul 1, 2016 - 09:48am PT
Cool! Least your getting out and the wife is reasonably happy with it. I'm stuck at home with strep throat. What a friggen summer so far. I'm starting to go nutz...
jonnyrig

climber
Author's Reply  Jul 1, 2016 - 03:56pm PT
I'll look for the routes next time I make it up there. He deserves credit for it.
thebravecowboy

climber
The Good Places
  Jul 1, 2016 - 04:01pm PT
can't you just fall in line and climb normal stuff? ;-)

good work!
limpingcrab

Gym climber
Minkler, CA
  Jul 1, 2016 - 04:28pm PT
Awesomeness! No excuses, just making it happen.
jonnyrig

climber
Author's Reply  Jul 13, 2016 - 10:39am PT
When back and retrieved my anchor today. Saw Jebus' buddy's bolts on the next formation over. so there you have it folks, a first ascent that probably wasn't. I still had fun anyway. And now you know there's a moderate bolted sport route right next to an easy trad route.

Got buzzed by a buzzworm, looked for the thinkin man's rock but only found a geocache. And that's it for today.
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