WMSC Employees on Vacation: Wild Wild West

by Spencer Ralston

My quest to work as little as possible this summer culminated in a month long trip to Colorado and Wyoming. I was able to run and climb several classics and use the fitness and skills I've gained in the White Mountains to achieve success in the Western alpine.

Blitzen Ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Close to 14 miles and 6,000ft of trail running with a beautiful 5.4 ridge climb tossed in the middle. (The ridge on the right hand side of the photo) 

Spearhead Mountain! A beautiful remote wall in Rocky Mountain National Park. A 6-mile approach passing lakes and sub peaks to the main valley. My partner, Jake, and I enjoyed The Barb 5.10C. Splitter cracks and flakes all the way to the summit. 

The Diamond on Long's Peak! The famous Casual Route, 5.10A, a vertical wall on the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.

After Colorado, we drove north to make an attempt to climb in the Wind River Range. Few places exist in the world that leave me speechless and stunned. We drove 45 miles down a dirt road and had a 10 mile hike in to the Cirque of the Towers. No permits required for this adventure. We set up our tents under a granite boulder and watched the light dance over the valley. Giant walls, alpine passes, and glacier lakes surrounded our tents. Sadly, a storm rolled in the next day and ruined our chances of climbing. 

More Wind River visuals. Next time, bigger bag, more food, and longer duration of stay.

After the Winds, we kept the train rolling and moved north to the Tetons. With small bags and a light racked we ran up to the Direct Petzoldt Ridge (5.7) to Upper Exum Ridge (5.5) to the summit of the Grand Teton. Incredible setting up on the Grand. With zero routes to the summit that are not technical we had to down-climb the famous Owen-Spalding route to the lower saddle. Above is the famous belly roll section! 

The grand finale, Mt. Moran and the CMC Route. We canoed, hiked, and climbed over 6,000ft to the summit. A truly unique route made only more memorable by having to canoe in. We climbed on a Saturday and only saw 6 other people on route! A remote place in the very crowded Tetons. 

Now back home in the Whites. I am looking forward to the fall season here. With cool temps and crisp days, the fall season is damn near the best. Looking forward to seeing more friendly faces on the trail and in the shop!