Location: Gooseneck Crag, near Minaki, ON

The crag is approximately 3 hours from Winnipeg, 1 hour from Kenora, and 9.5 hours from Regina. The grades at Gooseneck range from 5.6 to 5.12, so there’s fun for everyone. This crag is also accessible from the top, so leaders can set up toprope routes at higher grades than we would lead. Leaders will be available to mentor participants on setting up and cleaning anchors, if desired. The approach involves 5 to 10 minutes from the parking spots, traversing over level ground.

Fun fact 1 – There is a lake at the east end of the crag that is a great refuge on hot summer days. (There can also be plenty of bugs so participants will need to be prepared with bug nets and/or spray.)

Fun fact 2 – Gooseneck was the first climbing area established in the Manitoba and NW Ontario area, with first ascents occurring in 1971. The ACC-Manitoba Section will be leading the Peter Atchison Memorial Climb at this crag on Sept 9, 2023 so the trip dates are planned to avoid that crowd.

Amenities: There is a pit toilet near the east end of the crag and an outhouse on the west side. These were installed with the help of ACC to minimize the impact of climbers on the local environment.

Parking at the crag: Park along the side of the road (Hwy 525) and walk into the forest.

Nearby crags: South Cliff is undergoing active development; access if via Cygnet Lake Road. Under safe conditions (e.g., not at night), participants could scout to the area to recon for future trips. Most people rappel into the crag but an access route is being developed.

Accommodations/camping: Camping is available at the “Hilton” and “Bellagio,” located approximately 10 minutes from the cliff down Cygnet Lake Road. The Road is viewable on mapping applications for easy access but directions and photos will also be provided to participants in the pre-trip communications. This is crown land and there is no fee for access. The camping area has space for at least 20 tents, a pit toilet, and numerous fire pits. The area also edges onto Gooseneck Lake and people can bathe/cool off in the lake so long as biodegradable materials are used.

Travel: Carpooling will be encouraged. Meeting place on day 1 will be the campsite, unless participants/leaders indicate another location (e.g., Kenora or Minaki) is preferred.

Dates:

• Friday Aug 25, 2023 – drive Regina to the Hilton camping area
• Saturday Aug 26 – set up climbs in the east, orienting on Weasel Crack as this is close to the lake and has is an open staging area with room for all participants. There is also 5.1 exit route nearby for top access.
• Sunday Aug 27 – likely set up climbs in the west area, near the western exit route. Set up Beginner Slab and routes near Frog In the Crack. Plan to be adapted based on feedback from Day 1.
• Monday Aug 28, 2023 – Drive to Regina.

Food: Participants will provide for themselves. Meal planning will not be included by the trip leaders.

Participant costs: $50 trip fee to cover equipment. Free camping. Fuel and food costs to be covered by participants.

This trip is capped at 12 participants and is beginner-friendly (gym toprope experience required, outdoor and lead experience not required). To express interest, contact Brianna at briannawyn@icloud.com and provide the following information:

1. First and last name
2. Phone number
3. ACC Membership Number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
4. Emergency contact name and phone number
5. Rock climbing experience
6. Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)