I recently joined my man, Elevation427, on my first 14ers and will be spending the month Aug/Sept exploring CO and hiking more.
Ignorance served me well on my first 14er, Redcloud/Sunshine going up. I just kept walking. Then downhill began on the Sunshine scree/talus field. The steepness was intimidating but I feel like I just slid down on my butt for 500 feet. I had to crab walk and scoot down. I couldn't get my head wrapped around standing and "trusting me gear"(shows) to stop me. I have great shoes. It took my nerves two days to recover but I'm still nervous skill wise and how to handle all that loose rock.
Any advice/tips?
Also were looking at some class 3 routes, what can I do on flat land to prepare for that?
Thank you in advance!!
Tips for overcoming downhill
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
First thought, don't go down Sunshine. Go back over Redcloud to avoid that scree/talus field. Speaking more generally, try to avoid loose/annoying routes like Columbia, Bross, Challenger, etc., until you get more comfortable descending.
Second, did you use trekking poles? Those won't help you with Class 3, but I do find them useful on Class 1 and 2 trails, especially on the ones where I would otherwise be slipping to my butt often.
As for comfort with Class 3, search the forum for previous advice on getting used to Class 3 and 4. One suggestion that I remember was to spend some time at a climbing gym to get comfortable with climbing moves/muscles/balance.
Good luck, I'm sure you'll get more comfortable quickly.
Second, did you use trekking poles? Those won't help you with Class 3, but I do find them useful on Class 1 and 2 trails, especially on the ones where I would otherwise be slipping to my butt often.
As for comfort with Class 3, search the forum for previous advice on getting used to Class 3 and 4. One suggestion that I remember was to spend some time at a climbing gym to get comfortable with climbing moves/muscles/balance.
Good luck, I'm sure you'll get more comfortable quickly.
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
Definitely trekking poles. And practice.
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
Lol Fahixson
Yes ignorance was bliss be I didn't even know the word scree before descending that.....lol
I had my poles , I was just afraid of rolling down hill...
Class 3 is more hands on, correct. Scrambling? like that hourglass at sunshine....:/
Yes ignorance was bliss be I didn't even know the word scree before descending that.....lol
I had my poles , I was just afraid of rolling down hill...
Class 3 is more hands on, correct. Scrambling? like that hourglass at sunshine....:/
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
If it's loose enough gravel/dirt/small scree, surfing or even doing semi plunge steps (if it's deep enough) is better than trying to pick your way through. Obviously you can't surf a slope if people are below you or it terminates in a cliff or something dangerous, but for long, loose descents over constant slopes with no trail below, it's fast and easy. If you fall, it'll be on your ass, which is easily controllable and safe. That also beats tripping and head-first tumbling down the slope.
And trekking poles.
And trekking poles.
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
Let's not forget route planning. Check the trip reports and route descriptions. The problem with scree is that once you start sliding you need to stop: no need to be fatal, just a small accident can kill the joy
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
Well yes, but 'usually' there is some kind of obstacle (scree or boulder fields) before the class 3 stuff.MrsElevation427 wrote:Lol Fahixson
Class 3 is more hands on, correct. Scrambling? like that hourglass at sunshine....:/
Also if the class 2 scree got your nerves going you won't feel much better when you start climbing class 3 stuff.
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
Your story is really a story of taking the wrong route, it seems like. As soon as you get off route, things can quickly get very bad no matter what class.MrsElevation427 wrote:Lol Fahixson
Yes ignorance was bliss be I didn't even know the word scree before descending that.....lol
I had my poles , I was just afraid of rolling down hill...
Class 3 is more hands on, correct. Scrambling? like that hourglass at sunshine....:/
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
Downhill can sometimes cause more pain for me than uphill. I have found that poles help the knees and ankles, keep in mind that proper pole techniques are important. They have grips and wrist straps for a reason, and adjusting the height for down/up/flat can help. A Google search for 'hiking pole technique' is eye opening. I also like to look at the steeper downhills like many different smaller downhills. Going from one rock to the next rock or ledge, and force yourself to take breaks. I find that on uphill climbs I break for cardiovascular reasons, but I don't need to on the downhills, but my body/legs gets wrecked more going down. If I force a break every now and then, I find the downhills more bearable. Just some ideas, like someone said earlier, practice will help, good luck.
"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
Ah yes, the Sunshine scree field is never fun.
I have a unique way of dealing with things like that and any steep section that is mostly free of obstacles, I come down backwards.
Unorthodox but effective, it takes some practice and good balance and I often carry a walking stick to help. Poles would work too.
It saves my knees and toes coming down steep parts and gives you better traction.
Alan
I have a unique way of dealing with things like that and any steep section that is mostly free of obstacles, I come down backwards.
Unorthodox but effective, it takes some practice and good balance and I often carry a walking stick to help. Poles would work too.
It saves my knees and toes coming down steep parts and gives you better traction.
Alan
There's a fine line between hardcore and stupidity.
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Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
I find it easier to descend scree/loose dirt by making switchbacks on the way down instead of a straight descent (if on narrow trails, create mini switch backs and control direction of feet). Feels like it gives me more control of gravity/weight distribution so I don't go sliding head first or falling on my caboose.
RIP - M56
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Re-introduce Grizzly Bears into the Colorado Wilderness™
Re: Tips for overcoming downhill
Jump turns.
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the women 'round here start looking good"
the women 'round here start looking good"