The Diamond, Longs Peak, September 2-4, 2006
At the very end of a fun summer of mostly sport climbing (except for our Wyoming trip), I injured a tendon and can't pull on pockets for a while. As the Labor Day long weekend approached, I jokingly suggested that Aaron and I go climb the Diamond---injured and out of trad shape, what better time to go climb the Diamond for the first time?
Anyway, Aaron took the idea seriously, and when we saw the fantastic weather forecast for Labor Day weekend, well, that sealed it. We drove to Colorado on Friday, hiked in on Saturday, climbed "Pervertical Sanctuary" on Sunday, and hiked out Monday (taking three leisurely days to do what lots of people do in one). We had an amazing time: it was an incredible climb, fantastic setting, great weather, not too many other people around.
Saturday
Having checked the weather forecast, we were surprised by rain on the drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday morning. It was still damp when we started hiking, but cleared up soon after and the weekend's clear, stable weather began. Here is some afternoon dew on aspen leaves.
Amy hiking with the fog clearing.
An early view of the Diamond, the east face of Longs Peak. Photo: Aaron.
Aaron hiking.
Sunday
We camped at the Boulderfield, and got a relatively leisurely start (hiking by 6:30). Here is early morning light as Aaron is hiking to Chasm View.
From Chasm View, we did three rappels onto Broadway Ledge, where the climbing starts. Pervertical Sanctuary is on the left side of the Diamond, and starts on the yellowish wall kind of where the shadow comes to a sharp point on the grassy ledge. This is looking down from the rappel.
Looking across the beautiful face of the Diamond.
Aaron on the second pitch.
My shadow and the view down the wall. Another party is visible on the Casual Route. The wall was surprisingly empty for a holiday weekend: only one party free climbing, and two aiding, and (unbeknownst to us) my friend Terry over on the Chasm View wall.
Aaron traversing out to get back into the crack system after we accidentally broke up two pitches that are usually linked.
Looking out towards Chasm View. The party on the Casual Route is visible.
Aaron on the wide pitch.
Amy, bundled up. It was cold, but we were grateful for the stable weather. My down jacket was a necessity, and hand warmers in my chalkbag made the climbing downright pleasant.
Aaron as we're simulclimbing the scramble to the top, which was really mostly only fourth class and occasionally easy fifth, but I was really spacey, tired, and clumsy from the altitude, and I wanted the extra security.
Aaron at the summit, 14,259 ft.
Aaron and Amy on top of Longs Peak.
A bird.
Aaron.
We decided to descend the keyhole route, which is the normal hiking route up Longs, instead of the quicker North Face descent. (I wanted to go through the keyhole.) The hike is pretty impressive, with a lot of third class terrain and beauitful views.
Aaron.
No shortage of nice rock out here.
Aaron passes through the Keyhole.
Amy in the Keyhole.
Monday
We slept as late as we could in the boulderfield with hikers marching by on their way to the Keyhole. That meant we were up early enough for some nice morning light. The keyhole is the notch in the rock to the right.
As much of the Diamond as we can see from camp (Chasm View is at the pinnacles in front of the face).
Aaron stayed in bed for the sunrise.
But, the view from the tent was pretty nice.
Are you ready to get up yet? Hello? Time for breakfast!
View of the Diamond and Mt. Meeker on the hike out.
Amy and Aaron.
©2006 Amy Jordan; Email Me.