Team summit photo on top of Mt. Conness.
After spending two days working on alpine rock climbing skills with Erin, Christy, and Vicki it was time to put some techniques into practice on some real alpine climbs. Our first objective was the North Ridge of Mt. Conness. Mt. Conness is located in Tuolumne Meadows on the edge of Yosemite National Park. The North Ridge is an enjoyable classic Sierra alpine climb positioned high enough to offer views as far as Half Dome into Yosemite Valley and many more prominent peaks in all directions. This climb has it all including fun climbing on high quality granite, two rappels off the 2nd Tower along the route, and exhilarating scenery throughout.
The group divided into two teams led by SMI guides April Mayhew and Kurt Wedberg. The goal was much more than just to climb the route in good style. It was to pass on as many climbing techniques as possible to help the team develop efficient climbing habits for use in alpine terrain where time, weather, and route finding are all critical to a safe and successful climb.
The climb went extremely well. A few pictures are below. The entire photo gallery can be found here:
The North Ridge of Mt. Conness July 26, 2012
The team on the trail near Saddlebag Lake en route to the North Ridge of Mt. Conness.
Taking a break on the approach with the North Ridge of Mt. Conness on the skyline.Vicki and Erin on the start of the North Ridge.Erin rappelling off the 2nd Tower.
Erin and Vicki high on the North Ridge of Mt. Conness.
SMI guide April Mayhew approaching a belay station on the North Ridge.
Erin and Vicki making some of the final moves near the top of the North Ridge.
A yellow bellied marmot greeting us at the summit of Mt. Conness.
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