devil’s tower national monument sep. 9, 2005

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

Cute 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.”

Seriously buff climbing neighbor in the campground: “A 5.10a here would be a 10d in Eldo”

Translation: We’re screwed.

Like good mountaineers, the night before we mentally and physically prepare for the climb.

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 f***ing

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 raps!

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 off-width

Now we get to rap 180’ off of the Parabolic Slab overhang

The end.