Gold Star (Upper) (CNM)

Upper Gold Star is a nice extension to the downclimbs in Lower Gold Star and adds a few nice rappels from the top of the Monument. The shorter approach from the Gold Star Trailhead utilizes a wide crack that must be climbed to gain the rim. Some will appreciate the few climbing moves with old moki steps, others may prefer to approach via Otto's Staircase or worse pay-to-play trail system from the Liberty Cap Trailhead and Otto's Bathtub.

Park at the Gold Star Trailhead. Hike the Fenceline Trail 0.2mi to the White Rocks, then turn uphill for 0.3mi to gain the Bench Trail. Turn left on the Bench Trail for 0.7mi and depart the Bench Trail at (39.07831, -108.68480) to head up a large gully access to the rim. Climb the final 50 ft in a wide crack requiring several scrambling moves. Several old moki steps are carved to help the first moves. Once on the rim, dodge cryptobiotic soil moving cross country to the top of the rappel. Alternatively, hike the Lower Gold Star approach and gain the top of the mesa using Otto's Staircase. A longer trail option, gains the elevation completely on established trails. Park a shuttle vehicle at the Liberty Cap Trailhead (39.06810, -108.66002) and hike the Liberty Cap Trail 3.3 miles +1470ft taking a right on Otto's Trail. Pass Otto's Bathtub then strike cross country to the top of Upper Gold Star. This shuttle, no-climb, all-trail approach is 4.6 miles +1470'.

R1: 115' minimum from a tree set back 45' from the edge on the DCL side of the wash. The rappel line from the tree provides a nicer, less awkward start. If using a fiddle, it may be advantageous to move the fiddle 35' from the tree toward the lip, which would then require a 150' rope. R1 ends with feet on the ground, then downclimbs a short distance to a final 6' drop that could be overcome with a meat anchor and partner assist. A 190' rope covers the entire distance including the 35' extra rope for the fiddle placement closer to the lip. DCs a series of DCs in a boulder field R2: 95' from a pinch under a large boulder in Canyon Center. DC a chossy mudstone ledge DCL