One of the 50 classic climbs of North America the Petit Grepon has been on my to do list since I first started climbing. Finally this past Thursday Aaron Miller and myself headed up and climbed this awesome alpine route by way of the classic south face, grade III 5.8 800ft. Solid rock and breathtaking exposure throughout the climb, I cant believe its taken me so long to get this route done..
Roping up and getting psyched...Although the recent monsoon flow throughout the front range has left "the Park" quite wet...Trails on the approach were running with water and when we reached the start of the route the lower pitches looked as if they were running with water as well..
The start was a little wet, but we kept our hopes up that the upper pitches past the chimneys would be dry..The chimney on pitch 2 was definitely running and wet when we climbed through.
Aaron toward the end of pitch 3 leaving most of the wet rock below us now. Sky pond visible below....
Mr. Marmot keeping me company at the belay....I think he was scoping our line!!
Aaron sending the crux pitch...
Mr. Marmot keeping me company at the belay....I think he was scoping our line!!Aaron sending the crux pitch...
Looking down from the extremely exposed pizza pan belay ledge...Single serving, room enough for one, no room for seconds!
Aaron getting his slice of the pie....
Aaron leading the final summit pitch.....
Yours truly finally on the summit of the Petit Grepon.... Totally Sweet!!
One hour and 5 rappels later we were back at the base of the Petit...Me actually smiling while pulling ropes...I hate rappelling!
Chillin back at the base of the route...Feeling good!
Walking out, the Petit on the left and the Saber on the right....
Till next time...
Peace, Jason
P.S.
All this moisture in RMNP has sprouted up some interesting looking mushrooms.....
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