Standing 13,775' above sea level the Grand Teton is an iconic mountain steeped in history. With a long approach, unpredictable weather patterns, high altitude and only accessible through technical rock climbing, achieving it's summit is never guaranteed.
With over 5000' of climbing and covering five mountains over 14.000' tall, the Thunderbolt to Sill Traverse has been my greatest accomplishment in alpinism.
First time to Oregon, first time to Smith Rock State Park, first climb we ascend the iconic Monkey Face.
Sometimes the word "epic" is used as a noun instead of an adjective. On Memorial day I climbed my first route in Yosemite National park. The route was Snake Dike on the iconic monolith Half Dome. It was definitely my greatest epic.
The objective today was a route called "Fingertip Traverse" (5.3 YDS) which is a 4 pitch trad climb, 500' (152m) tall. It's a bit of a mission from Los Angeles, it's a 2-2.5 hours drive, a very steep approach, sandbagged climbing, a heavy descent, and the tough drive home after a long day. However, it's worth all the effort.
Huge moment in rock climbing this weekend. February 28th, 2015 I sent my first trad lead in Joshua Tree National Park. The route is called "Jane Crowley" a 5.8 hand crack with a nice layback crux. Forecast was predicted to be a chance of high winds and rain, but Mother Nature blessed us with clear skies and a calm breeze.
