Our Expeditions!
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North Ridge of Mt. Conness (12,590′/3837m) III 5.6
Posted on July 27th, 2012 No comments
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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North Ridge of Mt. Conness August 5, 2010
Posted on August 7th, 2010 No commentsOn August 5 Scott Bushman joined Kurt Wedberg for an ascent of the classic North Ridge of Mt. Conness 12,590′, 3837m. Mt. Conness is located near the border with Yosemite National Park. The mountain is flanked by the Conness Glacier on its north side with the North Ridge forming one side of the glacier’s border. Rock quality of this granite peak is superb and the views are outstanding offering an excellent vantage point straight into Yosemite Valley. Scenes of Half Dome and Mt. Lyell are two of the many well known features that stand out during this climb.
The approach is on a broad ridge that leads to an increasingly narrow path. Eventually a tower is reached requiring a rappel before several pitches of enjoyable climbing lead to the summit. The difficult rating is anywhere from 5.6 – 5.8 depending on the exact line taken.
Thanks Scott for a great day!
Here are a few highlights. The entire photo gallery can be found here: Mt. Conness August 5, 2010.
The North Ridge of Mt. Conness
Scott traversing the increasingly narrow ridge.
Scott ready to rappel the first tower.
The ridge and face beyond the first tower.
View of the first tower as seen after we rappelled it and began climbing higher towards the summit.
Scott climbing on the open face on the 1st pitch after our rappel
Scott approaching the top of pitch #2
Scott on the crest of the North Ridge at pitch #4
Summit Photo