the sphinx

Submitted by the dude on Sun, 10/05/2008 - 14:50

never been there. Any ideas on how many cold days it takes to make it form up? weather looks to be getting a little chilly later this week.

I don't think it'd be in yet. Wait a few more weeks maybe? it's been a wet fall, but i think it might still be a little early. the rock is really shitty and does not take gear well (if at all, from the looks of it). If it's thin, you might not be able to finish the route. we made an effort last year to do it in one day from Missoula, but we got lost in the wrong drainage to the north. 12 miles and 6 creek crossings later, we turned around and had a 22-hour epic. the hike is relatively straight forward once you get on the right path, i think. i plan on trying again next month if things work out right. hope that helps! i have photos but i think i might've posted them already from last year? -brett

Eric Knoff and I hiked in to climb the Sphinx, but 1/3 of the way across the ledges the clouds lifted and we could see that it had not formed yet. The pillar isn't there and the pitches above were thin and opaque looking. Maybe another 10 days or so if the temps stay chilly. There was only 6-8 inches of snow with 18-24 inch drifts on the north side--pretty cruisy actually. I imagine once the ice has formed so will the depth hoar! If we get more snow, beware.

if you could, keep us Missoula folk up-to-date on this guy. it's a LONG drive to find out that it's not in, and I really really really want to climb it this winter :) thanks!
Madison, Gallatin, Absaroka Mountain Ranges