Morlow wrote:Would you advise against solo camping in that area?
I probably would feel more comfortable climbing/camping in a group anywhere, but a lack of partners wouldn't scare me off in this country. I've climbed all over the Madisons, both day hikes and multi-day trips in the last 6 years... still haven't seen a bear. Plenty of sign (tracks, scat, etc.), but no live bears. I guess I make too much noise.
Morlow wrote:...I plan to return in October at the latest. If I can talk my hiking buddy into doing them I will do it in September.
This may be a more important time to watch out for bears... berries are ripe, bears are hungry. Just make noise and hang your food out in the backcountry.
Morlow wrote:So on to another question I had: there is nothing wrong with sleeping in the car at the trailhead is there?
No, in fact I would guess camping at the trailhead is done regularly. There's a minimally impacted campsite NW of Taylor Creek at the trailhead, just a stone's throw from the bridge. So bring a tent if you feel like it. The faint climber's trail on the N side of the creek leaves from here as well (to avoid crossing the creek when it's high in May and June).
Morlow wrote:My last question is, should you hang your pack/food from a tree or is it safe to leave it in the trunk of a car? My buddy said bears will go for it in your car but I don't believe him. At least I've never heard of a bear tearing a car apart to get to food inside.
I've never had an issue with storing food in a car, but I have heard occasional stories of bears breaking into vehicles and hard-sided campers in search of food, usually later in fall when food supplies are dwindling. So, if you're back in late Oct, early Nov, minimize food odors and you should be fine. Also wear orange.
As for attacking Koch and Imp in a single trip, I'd probably agree with b. that it would be easiest to attempt as two day trips. The only downside would be missing out on camping in ridiculously beautiful country. It may be possible to establish a base camp at the spring at the top of the Taylor Creek trail and climb the southeast ridge of Koch from there as opposed to accessing via Tumbledown. I've down climbed the drainage east of this ridge and found it relatively easy going, but I'd imagine the face west of this ridge would be more pleasant, traveling up the drainage toward Nutters to around 9400 ft and then attaining the saddle at about 10640 ft.