Gold Mine
From Sudbury, take the Trans Canada highway west towards Sault Ste. Marie. At about 108 km out of Sudbury, take Hwy 108 north towards Elliot Lake and travel north for 64 km, which will take you through Elliot Lake and the 108 will turn into the 639. After 64 km, the road will end at Hwy 546 - at this point turn left and venture southwest for 7.6 km, where you will find the trail into the crag.
At the 7.6 km mark is a small pull-off on the south side of the road. The trail to Gold Mine is on the opposite side of the road approximately 15-30 feet west of the parking area. The trail zig-zags through the trees and, as of last year, still had downed trees that need to be stepped over. The more the area is frequented, the more obvious the path will become. Follow the trail until you see rocks (3-5 minutes) and the trail will split off left (west) and right (east). Look left and you will notice a slab approximately 40 yards away. This is the Ant boulder. Travelling right (east, 3-5 minutes) the first boulder encountered is the Alexander the Great boulder. Gold Mine is split up between four different areas. (See topo below.)
Camping is located at the 10.7 km mark south from the Hwy 546 turn. Turn left onto the logging road and continue for 300 m and camp along the river bank area.
Sources
Routes
| Name | Grade ↑ | Star rating | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snail Trail | V2 | - | On the back of the shell of the Snail boulder right of Slow Bro. Using a right side pull and good feet slap for the top and mantle the top.
FA: Thomas Piche |
| Threat Level Midnight | V2 | - | A cool-looking boulder that has interesting roof-like moves. Start as low as possible on the sloper ledge. Make your way around the half moon using two key holds. Top out on the arête.
FA: Brendan Baars |
| Tunnel Vision | V2 | - | Start at the bottom of the tunnel with one hand on the arête to the left and the other on the vertical edge to the right.
FA: Linda Yang |
| Volunteer Mountaineer | V2 | - | Just right of the scoop. Climb straight up.
FA: Aaron Bopp |
| Wayne Stepping | V2 | - | Climb the arête right of Party on Garth. |
| Wonder Bread | V2 | - | Starts low on ledges on the far right side of the boulder and follows the right side to the top. |
| Antics | V3 | - | An odd low start on crimps, get a good right foot and rock onto it. Top out on Antagonist. A little awkward and contrived.
FA: Aaron Bopp |
| Beaver Research | V3 | - | Climb the left arête starting on the left side of it. Slopers and crimps lead to a good top-out.
FA: Brendan Baars |
| Better than Bopp | V3 | - | Start on crimps and make a few moves. Use levitation and palm press to establish feet high. Stand up and use better crimps to the top.
FA: Brendan Baars |
| Creature of the Mine | V3 | - | Start with both hands on the left-slanting rail. Climb up the arête and top out.
FA: Linda Yang |
| Crystal | V3 | - | Start on obvious crimp in the middle of the face and figure out how to surmount the small roof. |
| Dirty Hand Box | V3 | - | Start with a side-pull ledge with your left and a crimp inside the cave with your right. Head up and left to a good ledge until you can reach up and right to use the side of the boulder (where bush is in left picture). Stand straight up on starting block. Move left and top out. Confusing and tricky.
FA: Aaron Bopp |
| Fools Gold | V3 | - | Fools gold is a nice tall line with enjoyable holds. First move is a big one and the rest is a cruise. Head up to he highest point and top out. This climb is on the north side of the boulder opposite the climb What Bugs.
FA: Danny Plonka |
| Frat House Stafford | V3 | - | A one move wonder! Start with left hand on undercling/sidepull and right hand on a crimp. Jump/cross/do something to reach the lip and hold on! Mantle it out and grab your points.
FA: Brendan Baars |
| Mossoncini | V3 | - | Uses the same start as Mossy Moves but go right towards Mossarella and finish by going up the arête.
FA: Jessica Authier |