Vesper Peak Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 6,214 ft | 1,894 m |
GPS: |
48.01293, -121.51801 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 85,338 total · 730/month | |
Shared By: | Jennifer L on Oct 7, 2015 | |
Admins: | Jon Nelson, Micah Klesick, Zachary Winters, Mitchell McAuslan |
Description
Located in a lake basin near Monte Cristo along the Mountain Loop Highway, Vesper Peak provides several technical climbing routes on its north side. The summit provides views of Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Sloan Peak, and Mount Stuart.
The rock, consisting of primarily intrusive quartz diorite, is fairly solid, although it may be covered in vegetation for the newer routes. As these routes get climbed more, there will be likely be less vegetation and loose rock.
As there are no permits necessary and Vesper Peak is also a popular scramble (on its southeast slope), you will likely be sharing the peak and routes with others.
The rock, consisting of primarily intrusive quartz diorite, is fairly solid, although it may be covered in vegetation for the newer routes. As these routes get climbed more, there will be likely be less vegetation and loose rock.
As there are no permits necessary and Vesper Peak is also a popular scramble (on its southeast slope), you will likely be sharing the peak and routes with others.
Getting There
Driving directions: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 28 miles, turning right onto Sunrise Mine Road (Forest Road 4065) about 3 miles beyond (east of) the Big Four Picnic Area. Follow this gravel road for 2.3 miles to its terminus at the trailhead for Trail No. 707 (Sunrise Mine Trailhead, elev. 2400 ft).
Approach: Hike 3 miles to Headlee Pass, 4720'. From the pass, follow a trail around the south of Sperry Peak to the lake basin between Vesper and Sperry. From the lake basin, follow the hiking trail through the talus and heather until you reach a ledge at ~5760'. Traverse climbers right (northwest) on this ledge toward the col.
Elevation gain from trailhead to summit is 4115'. There are some nice campsites at the lake, although many people do this in a day.
Approach: Hike 3 miles to Headlee Pass, 4720'. From the pass, follow a trail around the south of Sperry Peak to the lake basin between Vesper and Sperry. From the lake basin, follow the hiking trail through the talus and heather until you reach a ledge at ~5760'. Traverse climbers right (northwest) on this ledge toward the col.
Elevation gain from trailhead to summit is 4115'. There are some nice campsites at the lake, although many people do this in a day.
Classic Climbing Routes at Vesper Peak
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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