Vestal Peak

Vestal (left) and Arrow (right) come in to view at the beaver pond. The hike was relatively easy up to this point.... however from the beaver pond to camp was steep with plenty of downed trees to go over and under.

Vestal in the moonlight (from camp)

Our day started early... but not too early as the forecast was perfect and we wanted warm rock.

Our route... Wham Ridge... follows the right ridge of the mountain to the summit

Up close and personal (from Vestal Lake)

After the steep hike from camp to the upper basin Kristi and Jim traverse the grassing section from left to right.

Looking up from the grassy traverse

Climbing Vestal provided amazing views of Arrow (which we would climb the next day)

We climbed the first couple of pitches without rope

The climbing... which goes to 5.4... wasn't too bad... the rock was solid... but the exposure warranted roping up.

A view of Rio Grande Pyramid and the Window. We were there just a week ago!

Typical terrain

Jim pulling himself onto a ledge

Alex and Jim enjoying the day

Kristi climbs the next pitch as Alex watches the weather. We ended up getting snowed on and it rained at camp... but the rock remained dry. The weather quickly cleared up and did not impact our climb.

Kristi pulling rope

The climbing was fun!

Kristi stoked to be on Vestal's summit. A 25 year dream come true!!!

Alex and Kristi pose with Jagged and Sunlight. We will attempt Jagged in just a few weeks.

Kristi exploring Vestal's summit

Kristi, Alex and Jim

Jim descends from the summit... Pigeon in the distance

down climbing Vestal's south face

Looking south the views were spectacular. Left to Right... Jagged, Windom, Sunlight, Eolus, Turret, Pigeon

Jagged Mountain.... our Centennial Finisher

Sunlight... you can see the spire if you look closely

Kristi down from the steep part. Jagged, Sunlight, Eolus, Turret, Pigeon. One of the best views in the state!

Kristi and Jim on the Vestal/Arrow saddle

Trinities in the sun. We will have to come back and do the Trinity Traverse. This area is amazing.

Jim, Kristi and Alex pose with Vestal after the climb

Camp

Jim trying not to get a soaker... ask him if he was successful ;-)

Kristi admiring Vestal and Wham Ridge