The Garston Trout

Start on the east side, under the obvious crack.

P1. Climb awkwardly into the crack, follow it to a small ledge (A1+, 100').

P2. Continue to a small ledge (A1, 100').

P3. Continue up softer rock to the notch and a two-bolt anchor (5.7, A1, 50').

P4. Climb loose rock to the summit (5.6, 25').

Descent: downclimb 25' to the notch, rap 200' into the west gully, hike to base.

The Garston Trout is the largest of the towers across the canyon from Arch Tower. These are about two miles from the river.

We were intending to climb Arch Tower, but standing underneath the tower, we spotted the tell-tale slingage. So we looked for a line on the group of towers across the canyon. We picked a nice line on the tallest of the these towers.

It was pretty hot in May, but there was water in a few potholes not too far away. We were serenaded by loud frogs at night. The river was really high and fast. Strappo and Mark rafted in from Westwater with the gear, and I hiked a few miles from the overlook at the top of the canyon to join them. It's a fantastic hike down the canyon with great scenery and few traces of the supposed trail or any sign of any humans. Chip Wilson hiked in a day later to join us. To leave, we (plus Mark Patterson), all sat on top of our gear in the tiny raft, and slid downstream very fast.

Gear: six knifeblades/Toucans, tie-offs. wires, inc. RPs, and at least 3 each cam up to #5 Camalot. Pitch 1 would be much easier with at least two #5 Camalots.