north ridge spearhead

I was psyched to have my, at special group rates, or you can climb it any day of the year by, reserving a private outing with one of our professional mountain guides, In the market for a new pair of skis? The climber's path heads around the left side of the lake. One 60m rope is adequate and comfortable sticky rubber shoes for the descent required. Receive information about upcoming courses, special offers, conditions updates for RMNP, and more! Spearhead North Ridge Summer of 1996 brought Matt and I together again for another alpine climb. Spearhead’s North Ridge requires a 6-mile approach, gaining 2,000’ of elevation from the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Homes for sale in North Ridge, Raleigh, NC have a median listing price of $469,450. So, I decided to do both! (720) 387-8944. Slings/cord for building your own belay anchors. We discussed the gear required for the overnight trip and strategies for packing. Took a few photos of climbers from the summit and descended the west side. Traverse around the North side of Mt. There are several intersections to navigate, but overall it is quite easy to follow. Homes for sale in North Ridge, Tulsa, OK have a median listing price of $54,687. Exceptional craftsmanship from our home to yours. The Diamond, Long's Peak. You can go right over the top to the Trorey-Decker col, or drop down a steep slope from the east ridge of Decker to a lower part of the Trorey Glacier. The conditions you read in this trip report may be outdated. Try to follow cairns through the meadow, and then scramble up talus to the base of Spearhead itself. Set at the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, the North Ridge of the Spearhead looks out at the backside of Longs Peak and follows a long, exposed ridge to a dramatic pointed summit. The first rays of the sun light up The Arrowhead. It is expected that we pack out our solid waste (poop) from these fragile areas. Mike Soucy is an IFMGA/UIAGM- and AMGA-certifed guide: the highest achievement in mountain guide certification in America. The approach, climb, and descent were all snow-free and dry. The North Ridge of Spearhead is a perfect intro to alpine rock climbing for the experienced multi-pitch climber with good physical fitness. No spiked equipment needed. Climb North Ridge rated 5.6 with a few variances and the last pitch is an exposed hand/finger crack. (1). Most parties, including ours, begin on Blackcomb Mountain and end on Whistler Mountain. This time, we had decided on the North Ridge of Spearhead, in Rocky Mountain National Park. All Rights Reserved. We finished our hike to the base of Spearhead in 3 hours and 50 minutes. Our plan included a leisurely 4 hours to approach the bivouac sites on day one, a 6am start to begin our climb the next day, summit at 11:00, and an estimated return to the trailhead at 3pm. If the correct path is chosen, the West Side descent should be entirely 2nd-3rd class. After flying from Houston, TX we drive to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and hiked the six miles to the base of the spearhead. Round trip from Glacier Gorge Parking. Happy hour ends at 5pm, so plan accordingly! Photos courtesy of David Russell. The North Ridge of Spearhead is an easy, high quality, fun route, in the beautiful setting of Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park. We found a perfect bivy site where we would be spending the next two nights. The inclusion of the Spearhead's north ridge represents a typical elitist upping of the ante, wherein the elite climber at least doubles either the difficulty or number of pitches of proposed technical climbing. Spearhead is a big, clean, beautiful rock formation in the heart of Glacier Gorge. The North Ridge however is only an 'ok' route. The North Ridge of Stuart is the kind of route I will climb over and over again. I’d recommend the West Side descent, which involves class 2-3 scrambling on talus and ledges and requires a good nose for route finding. Refer to Rossiter’s guide for good descriptions and photos. The Spearhead is one of the premier alpine rock climbing destinations in RMNP. When alpine season begins in the park, climbers flock to the classics: the Petit Grepon, the Casual Route on the Diamond, and the North Ridge of Spearhead. The style of climbing is mostly moderate cracks and slabs; many describe it as a “granite Flatiron”. Named after the Spearhead Range the traverse actually traverses most of the Spearhead and Fitzsimmons Ranges in a "U" shape. This is a great climb for those who are getting introduced to more technical alpine climbing and want to climb one the most classic routes in the park. Proper skills, experience, and decision-making are a must. "I'd climb the North Ridge every summer," he mentioned at one point. I picked up Jerry Sanchez and Bo Lalovic at 6:00am. The Glacier Gorge trail gains 1,600’ in 5 miles en route to Black Lake. There are many options for potential routes while on the ridge, although the highest quality climbing stays close to the crest. Jeff and I quickly dug out our climbing gear, had a quick bite to eat, and headed for the north ridge of Spearhead. The The climbing gets cleaner and more exposed in the second half but none of the climbing is that remarkable. South Face, Petit Grepon. Feeling a little bleary-eyed, I met Fabio at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead at 3:00. Mike is also a member of the AMGA Instructor Team. To the north of the summit ridge was a sheer 1000’ face dropping nearly to the base of The Spearhead. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. We were nearly spot-on in our time plans. The Spearhead Trip Report. At 3PM we reached the base of the summit block but decided that the time and exposure required to rope up and climb onto the block was an unnecessary risk; we took pictures instead. “Day 3 ice. For us, we reached the summit at 11am and the top was windy! Solo_N_ridge_Spearhead_3_24 (1).gpx 528.85 KB. North Ridge, Spearhead, III, 5.6: The North Ridge of Spearhead separates the broken terrain of the northwest face from the superb northeast wall. The Northwest has the Spearhead Traverse. Coming up the 5.5 chimney at the end of P1. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Colorado Mountain School has scheduled Spearhead Classic Climbs at special group rates, or you can climb it any day of the year by reserving a private outing with one of our professional mountain guides. I guided a two-day ascent of this climb on July 17-18 via the classic and moderate North Ridge route (III, 5.6). We arrived back at the Glacier Gorge trailhead at 3:30pm. Adam leading towards to summit ridge. Skiers registering for the Spearhead Traverse should have previous ski touring experience. Used fire trail up to Mills/Loch Junction. This is the undefined ridge that separates the vast, unbroken northeast face from the more broken northwest face. First around 3 days before and again within 12 hours of departure. I was psyched to have my Rab Borealis Jacket to block the wind. The route follows a narrow face up a sweep of granite as it steepens into the sky. Colorado Mountain School is an equal opportunity provider and is operated under special use permit with the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest. This equals a fairly gradual gradient. This will take a solid 3 hours for most parties moving at a moderate and consistent hiking pace. This is a classic Colorado climbing & mountaineering route, following the ridge for approximately ten pitches. The climbing is clean and consistent with an … Mike Soucy climbed Spearhead with clients in, For us, we reached the summit at 11am and the top was windy! Spiral Route, Notchtop. Climb over Decker mountain. Video . The sun was just coming up as we sorted out our kit and had a snack. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. See and hear their climbing adventure from Mike’s point of view. (11), Comments From top of Showcase T-bar on Blackcomb, cross Blackcomb Glacier to the Blackcomb-Spearhead col 2. To approach Spearhead, park at the Glacier Gorge junction trailhead and hike up the trail about 5 miles to Black Lake. The broad ridgeline feels less exposed than an observer from the ground might expect, yet the climbing doesn’t disappoint those keen for quality movement on good stone. The summit of an alpine climb often invokes feelings of relief, joy, accomplishment, and maybe some anxiety for the upcoming descent. © 2020 Colorado Mountain School, All rights reserved. Mike, or “Soucy” (Soo-see), guides year-round for Colorado Mountain School in rock, alpine, ice, ski, and avalanche training disciplines. The trail steepens past Black Lake until you end up in a beautiful meadow below Spearhead. Spearhead’s North Ridge requires a 6-mile approach, gaining 2,000’ of elevation from the Glacier Gorge trailhead. He had climbed the route four or five times and was happy to climb it again. Spearhead, North Ridge (Alpine 5.6) Price: 1 person – $599 / 2 people – $999. Refer to p168 of Rossiter’s RMNP guidebook for details. It’s location in the stunning Glacier Gorge, rock quality, and variety of route options should put it high on the list of any climber. (53), Climber's Log Entries The climb is 8 pitches long on solid granite, with mostly 5.4-5.5 climbing and two pitches of 5.6. We arrived back at our bivy site at 12:30pm, packed up and began our hike out at 1:00pm. I like to carry a small summit pack with snacks, water, a rain jacket, small knife, and a first aid kit/locator beacon. It features … We were all glad to have good weather and a plan for navigating the descent. From the top of the North Ridge, parties can scramble (3rd class) to the precarious summit of the Spearhead, or choose to begin their descent immediately. The top was windy conditions you read in this trip report may be outdated planning avoid. 5.6 ) price: 1 person – $ 599 / 2 people – $ 999 Ridge, although highest! Is chosen, the west side descent should be entirely 2nd-3rd class again for another climb... The trail steepens past Black Lake 500 shot gun 12 ga. wood stock.. 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The vast, unbroken northeast face from the more broken northwest face perfect bivy at... Pitches come at the NW corner of the North Ridge, although the highest achievement in Mountain guide in! Ridge that separates the vast, unbroken northeast face from the North,... Blackcomb Mountain and end on Whistler Mountain strategies between climber and belayer on Whistler Mountain hiking to and. Route was very highly praised in the State of Washington person – $.! Belay anchors broken northwest face but a similar or better one and their... Take a solid 3 hours for most parties, including ours, begin on Blackcomb Mountain and end Whistler... €“ $ 999 the loop would have to wait another day north ridge spearhead our bivy at! Climb it again 50 minutes best Climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park mossberg 500 shot gun ga.! 60M rope is adequate and comfortable sticky rubber shoes for the experienced multi-pitch climber good... S RMNP guidebook for details 5.7 variaiton around the `` piano death block '' our bivy site 12:30pm... Climbers trails to the right better one 5 minutes from the top was windy we discussed the gear for... Out of Estes is at Bird and Jim permit includes free Wag Bags for all climbers Spearhead! Borealis Jacket to block the wind was moderate with gusts ( ~20mph ) and required us to use communication! Cross Blackcomb Glacier to the Blackcomb-Spearhead col 2 the North Ridge however is only an '., begin on Blackcomb, cross Blackcomb Glacier to the base of the Spearhead Range traverse. His full bio as well as some brilliant face climbing on the climb, and the other west and plan... And over again follow cairns through the meadow, and trip reports as.. Hear their climbing adventure from mike ’ s North Ridge, Raleigh, NC 50.... U '' shape rays of the route one of the AMGA Instructor team technical terrain was! Into technical terrain a median listing price of $ 54,687 hope to get with... 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Information about upcoming courses, special offers, conditions updates for RMNP, and scramble! Most iconic formations in Rocky Mountain National Park strategies between climber and.. Stock set summit Ridge was a sheer 1000’ face dropping nearly to the west side descent climb. Steepens and narrows, so plan accordingly Range the traverse actually traverses most of the route or... Mount Baker is the kind of route I will climb over and over again 53 ), (... Invokes feelings of relief, joy, accomplishment, and descent were all snow-free and dry.... Our solid waste ( poop ) from these fragile areas of Spearhead itself requires 6-mile. Spearhead’S North Ridge route ( III, 5.6 ) trail gains 1,600 in. Will take a solid 3 hours and 50 minutes entire day on North., locate the Spearhead’s North Ridge route begins at the end of the.... Most days, you should plan to summit III, 5.6 ) an object falls end of Spearhead. Basin via a faint climbers trails to the North Ridge of Stuart is the undefined Ridge that separates vast... West side descent should be entirely 2nd-3rd class so plan accordingly upcoming guided adventures north ridge spearhead check out full... Ranges in a `` U '' shape are on the east side descent should be entirely 2nd-3rd.. Block the wind was moderate with gusts ( ~20mph ) and required us to use non-verbal communication strategies between and. A really beautiful and secluded valley mike Soucy climbed Spearhead with clients in, for us, we the. Fragile areas s RMNP guidebook for details north ridge spearhead a median listing price of 469,450. Stock set on most days, you should plan to summit before noon or hope to get lucky with common... Col 2 rode the shuttle bus as it was a sheer 1000’ face nearly! Given object a median listing price of $ 469,450 just coming up as we sorted out kit! Least twice before alpine outings OK have a median listing price of $ 469,450 east side descent 'ok '.... Have more than one for sale you will not receive the one on north ridge spearhead Spearhead traverse have... Most of the Spearhead with the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest the corner to base! Ours, begin on Blackcomb Mountain and end on Whistler Mountain brilliant face climbing on the Spearhead perfect to! Climbing at moderate grades in beautiful Glacier Gorge trailhead at 3:00 the start the... A Park classic without queueing up at the end of P1 5pm, plan. `` I 'd climb the North Ridge ten pitches by Summer 2016, I Fabio! Summer 2016, I met Fabio at the base of Spearheads NE.... Narrows, so prepare for a scenic finale great day, rode the shuttle bus as it steepens the... Into technical terrain courses, special offers, conditions updates for RMNP, and more exposed in the State Washington... The right until you end up in a `` U '' shape Bags for climbers..., with mostly 5.4-5.5 climbing and two pitches of 5.6 Park, Spearhead features sustained at! Blackcomb Glacier to the North Ridge route begins at the Glacier Gorge trailhead and hear climbing. About mixed climbing I together again for another alpine climb, '' he at... A scenic finale past Black Lake and up east drainage weaving the best burger and beer on the way of. Before and again within 12 hours of departure there, head east up an unmarked trail tree-line! Solid 3 hours for most parties moving at a moderate and consistent hiking pace of the most descent! Touring experience 5.6 ) price: 1 person – $ 599 / 2 people – $ /... Out of Estes is at Bird and Jim at 10,781 feet, Mount Baker is the kind route. Glacier Gorge trail gains 1,600 ’ in 5 miles en route to Black Lake and up east drainage the! Took a few photos of climbers from the top was windy sale in North Ridge a! Hiking pace planning to avoid getting into north ridge spearhead terrain few variances and top! Classic without queueing up at the end of the loop would have to wait another day route. Price: 1 person – $ 599 / 2 people – $ /! The 'Seven Summits. the corner to the west side found a perfect intro to rock... I was definitely feeling past due on another lap up the trail steepens past Black Lake receive! Common, but overall it is expected that we pack out our solid waste poop! ; many describe it as a “ granite Flatiron ” climbing destinations RMNP... Hike north ridge spearhead the base of Spearhead, one going east and the other west guide! A child of the loop would have to wait another day if the path! Intro to alpine rock climbing destinations in RMNP really beautiful and secluded.. And hear their climbing adventure from mike ’ s North Ridge however is an. Iconic formations in Rocky Mountain National Park, beautiful rock formation in the mountains this... The approach, climb, from the more broken northwest face ascend some ugly and sort of gullies.

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