Climbed the Northeast Ridge of Sharkstooth today with CMS client Marty Parris. We had a wonderful day up high, enjoying perfect temps and generally clear skies. August has provided us with a recent and much needed dry-out from the monsoon weather of July. Definitely time to start making a move on the alpine projects for the season.
Sharkstooth’s NE ridge is located high in the Andrews Glacier cirque, within spitting distance of the ever-popular Petit Grepon and the equally classic Saber. At Grade III, 5.6 and close to 1000’ tall, it’s one of the longest and most dramatic moderate alpine climbs that the Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer.
Marty and I left CMS at 3am and spent close to 4 hours on the approach to the base of the climbing. Much talus was hopped. We were on top by noon and finished navigating the descent by 2pm. It was a classic day in the high peaks and Marty was a fit and capable partner. The day’s only hangup was my realization that I hadn’t checked/replaced my camera batteries beforehand, resulting in some missed photo opportunities!
Climbing the sunny rock and exposed arêtes reminded me why August is my favorite month for climbing the alpine rock routes that I think about all year. Still 15 days left!
Mike Soucy
CMS Guide
msoucy@totalclimbing.com
www.totalclimbing.com
800.836.4008
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