Route:  Yellow Jacket Tower/Basic Route
Climbed:  May 23, 1995


Party: Andrew and Tom

Beckey's route description is short, but accurate.  The Mountaineers
route description is, again, right on.  However, the trail from Rat
Creek Bolder has been obliterated by last summer's fires.  Just before
reaching Rat Creek Bolder bear off to right and ascend grassy slopes.
Eventually the trail reappears.  It works it's way up and out the top
of a wide gully,then leftward onto the ridge.  Staying on the ridge
continue ascending until you enter a large N facing gully coming off
of Yellow Jacket tower.  There is a large choke stone in the gully.
Climb out of the gully about 50 ft below the choke stone.  There are a
few exposed moves - we roped up here.  Above the choke stone the gully
becomes wide and dirty.  Continue to near top of gully.  Look right
and find a hidden gully which ascends diagonally to the left.  This
gully is described as a scrabble but I found it awkward and lead it on
belay.  Next pitch ascends a right facing dihedral for 70 ft past a
tree to a large sandy bench.  Final pitches 20 ft up summit tower,
mostly on the SW side.  I found it to be a moderately difficult move
with real risk of falling onto blocks below.  I set a #5 WC Rock in a
shallow crack at face level and stood on a runner suspended from this.
Two modern bolts on summit.  Descent can be done with single rope
rappels.





[Route description written by Tom Unger]