I don't have enough experience to organize a trip. Is anyone interested? I've hiked the gorge a few times. How tough would winter camping be there?
I don't have enough experience to organize a trip. Is anyone interested? I've hiked the gorge a few times. How tough would winter camping be there?
There are lots of sheltered locations that would be good for winter camping. There are also a LOT of trails or at least sections that are sketchy at the best of times, so add snow or ice &,,,,, well: have a next of kin to be notified somewhere on you for when they recover the body.
I'm planning on heading there on my way home after the MRHO (Sunday PM to Monday noonish) but am not going far in.
Let me think about it, I may be able to help you sort out the logistics of a winter group hang.
When you have a backpack on, no matter where you are, you’re home.
PAIN is INEVITABLE. MISERY is OPTIONAL.
I frequent RRG and did a trip there with a buddy over Presidents Day this year. We did the Gray's arch loop it was beautiful because we were lucky enough to get some snow flurries mid-hike. Unfortunately I do not have the hanging gear for such a hike. I became painfully aware over the summer that my gear can only handle about 55F at this point :-(
Auxier Ridge trail to Courthouse Rock.
Easy 1.5 miles each way, along the ridgeline, plenty of good hanging trees, very scenic, large parking area at the trailhead.
^^^^ very good trail^^^^
I have seen some people go up the side of Courthouse Rock, but definitely would not recommend it in this weather. I only made it about halfway up before turning around. However, you will be able to see double arch from Courthouse Rock and it is worth the short spur trail to get to double arch.
^^^^^^ On for last two posts. Auxier Ridge area is where I've spent most of my time hiking. Nice loops for day hikes.
I've yet to camp in the gorge, though. I usually stay in Koomer Ridge campground. Maybe someday.
If you are looking for a primitive campsite go down tunnel ridge road. It is littered with primitive campsites along the road. A favorite of mine is Tar Kiln
Yeah, no way I'd go up Courthouse Rock in this weather.
The size of the party would influence where I'd recommend you actually camp, too.
Small party = set up camp in the area near Haystack Rock, just before Wizard's Backbone - plenty of trees, scenic, and big enough to stay the required distance from the actual trail. Anyone who does want to see Courthouse Rock up close and personal could just dayhike the remaining couple hundred yards or so from basecamp.
Large party = there's one last little rise just before the area I described above, where the ridgeline narrows a bit...well, just before THAT there's a huge area off-trail to the right with some established firerings in a large wooded area that could house a buttload of hangers.
Secondary choice, though it might be cold down in valleys - Rockbridge.
Around a mile, all downhill in (all uphill out - yuck!); a beautiful stream (Rockbridge is the only arch in the entire area with a stream running under it year 'round); nice little waterfall, small sandy beach area, not a lot of visitors.
Honestly, the only trail I've done at RRG is the Swift Camp Creek trail in Clifty Wilderness. There were lots of good camp sites along the creek. It's a challenging trail, but maybe more sheltered from the elements.
I don't have much experience winter camping. I've bought a 3 season yeti I'm anxious to try out. I'm just looking for excuses to get together with you guys who are more experienced. :-)
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