The Battleship - Grand Canyon

[hippiepunkpirate]

With the mildness of the La Nina winter seemingly setting in (except for the current fluke arctic air mass this week), I'm considering doing a summit bid on the Battleship in the Grand Canyon while the crowds of the Bright Angel remain low in the off-season. The hike description: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=696 seems to give the notion of some exposed climbing, while the triplogs seem to suggest that it's not much of a big deal. Brian's in particular suggested an "easy" way versus some other class 4 spots. I'm a pretty big wuss about heights (ask Jim_H), so I'd love to hear if anybody has any specific details on the easiest climb route up the Battleship, and how exposed it really is. Thanks!

[hikeaz]

I'm thinking of hiking the Battleship peak in the Grand Canyon in September with two other hikers. I'm know the distance and AEG involved in this hike but how difficult is this hike? How bad is the exposure, how difficult is the "crux" (it doesn't seem to required ropes) should I think about asking someone long that has done this hike? I have read many articles and have seem many pictures of the hike but the feel unsure about this adventure. Have hike for many years in the Grand Canyon ...just trying to prepared for this hike. Any info would greatly be appreciated!

I would think that if you have 'hiked many years in the Grand Canyon' that this hike would be well within your abilities. That is, if you have been out of the corridor much.
This is a video of 'the crux' - this guy panting makes it seem worse than it is - I think that he's the nervous one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KymekVO47ZM . I generally just stem all the way up this 'chute' - and avoid the clamoring over the chockstone(s) as shown in the video - the rock in the 'chute' is grippy - no worries.
Even if you decide against the summit, if you head north there are terrific views off the 'bow' - I have enjoyed many-a-day out there. The main thing is to explore!

[quadman]

Thanks for the info...very helpful.