Difficulty comparison.

fonemant

FNG
Joined
Apr 16, 2020
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1
I have a question regarding difficulty of the terrain.
2018, I was in the San Juans (Unit 78), east and north of Chromo, and we walked in to the the Cinnamon Bear mountain area. I was wondering how much more difficult is the Gunnison Mountain area to travel in. I realize that this is apples to oranges, because everyplace is different. Just needing an idea of steepness comparison,
I keep seeing people warn about unit 53 and was hoping to get a little info, again, I realize everything is relative.
By way of example, do I need rock climbing equip. for 53, or is it more like, 53 in general has steeper climbs, but if a person made it in 78, they will have a slightly harder time in 53.
Thanks.
 
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I know nothing about those areas but a good answer would be look at various topos of what you hunted and see if the contour lines are closer together. If so and you gain more elevation per mile as the crow flies you can see the difference.
 
Comparing topos will give you a good idea. Take a look at the area you hunted, pick out a particular slope that you were familiar with and considered challenging. Measure the distance of a 1,000 for ( or 500') elevation gain. Then compare the distance for the same elevation gain on slopes in the unit you are looking at. Pay particular attention to whether those elevation lines are fairly consistent all the way up the slope, or are they wide in some spots and get very close together in others. You'll get a pretty good mental picture of what you should expect to find.
 
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