Devil’s Tower National Monument
Sep. 9, 2005
circling vultures circling vultures waiting for climbers.waiting for climbers.
We walk around the base.“It looks kind of tall…”
First look at our route to the top. It’s still
kind of tall…
approachapproachpitch pitch
(100’ 5.4)(100’ 5.4)
leaningleaningcolumncolumn(70’ 5.5)(70’ 5.5)
DurranceDurranceCrack (crux)Crack (crux)
70’ 5.770’ 5.7
CussinCussinCrackCrack
30’ 5.4 (ha!)30’ 5.4 (ha!)
FlakeFlake50’ 5.550’ 5.5
Bailey’sBailey’sDirectDirect
150’ 5.6+150’ 5.6+
vulture
Ranger: “The Leaning Column has been wobbling recently. We have a team of geologists coming out to evaluate whether or not it is safe to climb. Don’t worry about it. By the way, there is no rescue service and the nearest clinic is over 60 miles away.”
Jared working the
“Approach Pitch”
The crux pitch. “Jam left and right cracks 70’ before
committing to right crack”
And it has started raining.
“We are supposed to go up that? You are joking
me.”
Brian’s almost got it
Looking back down at Jared.
We are getting high now. And the weather is clearing.
jam it
Jam it
Stem it
reach itwedge it
monkey it
the summit is ours
visitors center
It’s a long way down.
Down we go.4 double rope rappels!
Guinness time!Guinness time!
But wait! Why stop now? Let’s go to Vedauwoo.
Piton Perch to Piton Perch to Baldwin’s Chimney to Baldwin’s Chimney to
Parabolic SlabParabolic Slabdouble rap
More awkward, yet sadistically fun, off-width.
Now we get to rap 180’ off of the Parabolic Slab overhang
The end.