Name: Swiss Cheese Slab & Odom (B-3.5-A+) (FULL)
Start: 2024-12-07T09:00:00-07:00
End: 2024-12-07T15:00:00-07:00

**RSVP PROCESS:** Due to the difficulty of this hike, I'll be taking a different approach for RSVPs as the safety and welfare of the group will at all times be uppermost in my mind..
**All RSVP's will be done via *Text, Meetup DM, or Phone Call (My number is below).* You are free to contact me anytime. Before approval, I'll take the following factors to consideration:**
***1) Hiking Experience/Ability***
***2) Physical Fitness***
***3) Attendance on Difficult Hikes I've Hosted***
***4) Scrambling Experience/Fear of Heights***
***5) Interpersonal Relations***

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**Preface:**
I recommend this hike for ***ADVANCED HIKERS ONLY with EXCEPTIONAL SCRAMBLING ABILITY AND/OR SOME CLIMBING EXPERIENCE.*** You'll need to be in the **"Cream of the Crop"** of the EP/LC hiking population if you want to attempt this. **You'll need to be able to hold your own and keep composure in areas with significant exposure.**

The **Swiss Cheese Slab (some people call it the "Cheese Grater")** alone has an **elevation gain of 800 feet**. It's definitely **exposed**. However, there is an **abundance of foot and hand holds** to work with. This serves as great prerequisite to the more smooth, and technical granite slabs you'll find in other areas of the Organs. Even after getting to the top of Swiss Cheese, we'll still need to **ascend another 1,000 feet** to get to **Odom,** which not only features **additional scrambling**, but quite a bit of **bushwhacking**. The route isn't very clean and the register at the top doesn't have many names. As with all of the lesser known routes in the Organs, there is always **imminent danger...** But that's what makes outings like these memorable. Easily a **top tier** route in the Organs and the views on **Odom** are amazing.

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**ADK Rating Scale: B-3.5-A+ (If confused, refer to explanation below)**
This hike is **DIFFICULT & DANGEROUS** with an ascent that features a 1000 foot slab consisting of **strong Class 3-3.5 (some possible Class 4 depending on who you ask) scrambling** all throughout. We'll also be moving at a **moderate pace** on hiking areas but we will not push it too hard on the slab as **safety will be paramount.**

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**ADK Mountain Ratings Explained...**
**Hikes are rated for pace (A, B or C), mileage, and terrain (A, B or C), with "C" designating easier hikes and "A" more challenging ones. We recommend that new hikers should first try a "C" or short "B" hike before undertaking a more difficult one; otherwise, you may not fully enjoy the hiking experience. If you have any doubts, please contact the hike leader in advance.**

***Pace Ratings:***
**A** = Fast
**B** = Moderate
**C** = Slow, Easy
***Distance*\*:**\* Noted in miles
***Terrain Ratings:***
**A** = Strenuous, long/steep climbs and descents, abundant scrambling ranging from classes 3-4
**B** = Moderate climbs and descents, possible scrambling
**C** = Generally flat with little elevation change
For example, a hike rated “B-7-A” is a moderately paced hike of approximately 7 miles with steep climbs and/or descents and possible rock scrambling.

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**Hike Details:**
**We'll step off NLT 0900**, so I would advise showing up 10-15 minutes prior so we can introduce ourselves and pay the park fee if need be. This **3.5 mile, Loop** hike will start at the **Dripping Springs Visitor Center**, which will require a \***$5 fee** unless you possess a **National Parks Pass**. The hike starts on the **Dripping Springs Trail.** We'll eventually veer off trail to get to the base of the **Swiss Cheese Slab**. Once there, it's pretty self explanatory. At the top of the slab, we'll head right on the ridge and **bushwhack** and **scramble** our way towards the peak. Some cairns will assist us but be prepared to be off trail during this portion. Once we summit **Odom**, we'll have some lunch and enjoy the scenery. As it is a loop hike, we'll head back down to Swiss Cheese. Down the ridge, we'll take a **nasty, but inevitable, off trail stretch** back to the trailhead. The hike should take **5-6 hours**.

**Point of Contact: Pabon 915-500-9740**

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**Recommended Hiking Gear/Supplies:**
-Water, 3 liters minimum
-Durable hiking boots
-Sunscreen
-Hats
-Food/Snacks

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**Caution/Disclaimer:**
Each individual hiker is responsible for their own personal safety/health and of their guests when participating in EP Hiking Group activities. The organizers of EP Hiking Group and EP Hiking Group are not liable for any illness, injury, accident, mechanical break-down, or unforeseen acts that may occur while you participate going to, during, or after any activity. If you have a medical condition that may be aggravated with any kind of physical activity you must make your own personal decision about attending and not hold any of the volunteer organizers liable. All organizers are volunteers and are not compensated during any activity.\*\*\*

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Swiss Cheese Slab & Odom (B-3.5-A+) (FULL)

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