
Not part of the route - just a photo of Sams Rock on the drive in.

From my chosen parking area, I started briefly along the road before leaving it on the right into a drainage. My goal is to get into the brushy-looking weakness in the center.

After heading up the drainage, it became difficult to stay within it, so I continued up the slope, still heading for the brushy-looking weakness in the center of this photo.

The slope gets steeper, but it's not bad.

This is the most bushwhacking the slope gets. And you can avoid all boulders and keep this section of the route barely even Class 2.

Looking back at my progress up the brushy-looking weakness.

The brushy-looking weakness continues higher up, but I was looking for a vital crack in the rocky cliff on the left, pictured center.

Entering the vital crack, choked a bit with foliage.

Continuing up the crack, the first Class 3 section.

Looking down the first Class 3 section, where I was able to stay within the crack.

Another Class 3 section where keeping just left of the crack was a lot easier.

Looking down from just out of the crack to keep the route Class 3. Toano Range High Point visible in the distance.

Continuing up sandy/steep Class 2/2+ to the end of the crack.

Looking back.

Close-up of the top part of the ascent through the crack.

At the top of the crack, I scouted a potential Class 2 route from the north. It looks reasonable, though less fun, if you're not into ascending the crack route.

At the top of the crack route, looking toward the summit of Sams Rock. This pile of Class 3 boulders served as the final obstacle. I climbed it up to the brush in the center of this photo, then turned right and found a Class 2/2+ route that avoided the scarier stuff visible higher up in this photo.

Looking back down the Class 2/2+ section that avoids scarier scrambling.

Sams Rock summit, view east toward brushy-looking weakness and the other, lower summit of Sams Rock (left). Toano Range High Point visible top right.

View west along the interesting ridge. Although I'm at the high point, it's worth going along the ridge for some added fun.

Sams Rock summit, view south toward Toano Range High Point.

Sams Rock, view north.
Hire me or show me some love!
Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!