Tollhouse thread

[mungeclimber]

Have never visited. Definitely like this kind of climbing.

Would love to get some mileage this weekend if I don't end up getting cajoled into new routing elsewhere.

Post yer pics and beta here!

[mungeclimber]

oh, and I have the Kroll and Slater guidebook.

Any errors or issues? Good beta on the approach? Parking used to be an issue.

Can you drive to the top anymore?

[daniel banquo merrick]

I've only been there once, took my son in March 2012. I didn't but you could drive to the top because the gate was open at the far end. The road at the other end would have taken something like a rock crawler to get up due to huge ruts. I didn't really know my way around so there was less climbing than I had hoped for. I led something on I think Hippo Wall that was easy until I got to the seeps at the top where the footing was slimy and scary. We did Tollhouse Traverse where I let the kid lead some and place gear. We climbed something in between but don't recall what.

The pink and chartreuse draws date from ~1990.

[John]

Been there maybe a half dozen times. All I remember is a bunch of the low angle stuff on the right side, some random cracks(names?) on the summit and Wandering Taoist. The thought of driving up that road from the start by the power line tower gives me nightmares. Kev W. somehow got a Subaru or something up there but he also got a Volvo up to High Eagle so there you go.

We have heard that WT was probably the best long route at Tollhouse. If that is true, I am in no rush to go back. It was just OK. It was hard to tell if you are on the right route and super crunchy. I hope there are better routes that we have missed.

P1 Wandering Taoist.

[mungeclimber]

Interesting. A friend indicated that he thought that WT was a really fun climb.

It's one I had hoped to try.

That and the Tollhouse Traverse, of course.

Was reading the guide today and it talks of crowds.

Are there really that many climbers in the central valley? 

[John]

I am not saying it was a waste of time, but I suppose I had higher expectations. I remember that start was kinda heads up BTW. Mostly because it was so crumbly. I also remember unintentionally peeling off several holds around the start.

[NateD]

Crowds? I've been maybe 3 or 4 times, often briefly, and there has always been 2 or 3 other parties there. But at a rock as big and packed with routes as Tollhouse, that's nothin'. There are more climbers than you'd think in Fresno and the rest of the Valley. Maybe some on this site will chime in eventually...

I've experienced some graininess there, but was mostly impressed with the rock quality and good friction.

[susan]

Never seen a crowd there. Hardly seen anyone there. I think of going to this place like I do Pinnacles - when rain or winter conditions are predicted everywhere else, a forecast here is worth checking.

[mungeclimber]

clearly, you've never lived in the central valley Susan. There is good rock there. Days worth of pitches.

and, I'll probably go to SPH anyways (prior commit).

lol

[DaveyTree]

There are some good routes there most are face climbs. One of my favs is Nuts & Bolts. Has a chimney, water runnel, face and crack. Best variety in one route.

[mungeclimber]

Anyone going tomorrow?

[John]

Nuts and Bolts is on the to-do list. Any more recommendations? Keep em coming!

[mungeclimber]

Thinking it may be too hot tomorrow at Thouse.
Which is odd since weather is coming in this week.
Maybe something closer, but what could be closer?

[John]

Valley is perfect right now. Welcome to join us.

[mungeclimber]

Thx John. End up on the projects on SPH. Worthy day. Will send a pic or post up something later...