Vesper Peak Summit Climb
Vesper Peak Summit Climb
Vesper Peak Summit Climb
Vesper Peak Summit Climb
Vesper Peak Summit Climb

Vesper Peak Summit Climb

Starting from

Regular price$899.00
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CALL TO BOOK:
(206) 413-5418

Client to Guide Ratio

Custom Climbs

The Pacific Northwest is well known for the glacier-covered volcanoes that dominate the landscape and attract the attention of climbers from all over the world. But beyond the big names of Tahoma, Kulshan, and Wy'east lie thousands of other peaks worthy of exploration. The Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges are steep, rugged, and will take you to high alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and icy glaciers that most people can only dream of. 

Whether you are a local climber looking for your next challenge or have honed your skills elsewhere and are visiting Washington for the first time, Kaf Adventures would love for you to join us on some of the greatest experiences the PNW has to offer. We have carefully chosen a selection of featured objectives that offer the perfect training ground to push your skills to the next level under the tutelage of our professional guides. 

Custom climbs:
  • Are booked on a custom basis, meaning your group on your schedule (subject to backcountry permit availability). 
  • Have a maximum client to guide ratio based on management strategies that cannot be exceeded.
  • Incorporate movement on snow and glaciated terrain, as well as varying degrees of 3rd, 4th, and 5th class rock. 
  • Each have their own requirements for incoming skills and fitness. Please see the "Walk in With" tab below for specifics and be prepared to discuss further with us if needed.
  • Are not limited to this selection. If you dream it, we can help you do it! For other ideas, see guidebook resources such as Beckey’s 100 Favorite North American Climbs, Kearney’s Classic Climbs of the Northwest, Steck & Roper’s 50 Classic Climbs of North America, and Nelson & Potterfield’s Select Climbs in the Cascades.

Vesper Peak

Located along the Mountain Loop Highway, Vesper Peak is an incredible adventure, with a steep approach up Headlee Pass that will get your heart pumping and enough exposure on its moderate rock routes that you'll feel like you're on a big wall expedition. Vesper is a perfect part of any Cascade climber's alpine progression and will leave you excited for more. 

 

Duration

  • 2 days
  • 1 night

Season

  • Summer
  • Autumn

Client:Guide Ratio

2:1

Minimum Participants

1

Because this is a custom climb, parts of the itinerary can be suited to your preferences. While this climb can be done in 1 day by a very fit party with experience, 2 days allows for a more relaxed pace and the potential for multiple routes. Here is a sample based on our previous successes:

Day 1 - Arrive at your designated meeting location by 8am to go over equipment, distribute group gear, and finish loading your packs before driving to the Sunrise Mine trailhead. The approach to basecamp is about 2.5 miles and up to 3,000 feet of elevation gain so will take several hours. After setting up camp, you'll spend the afternoon refining skills and going over rope systems. You will be glad to have a hot meal and go to bed early to get some rest for the big day ahead.

Day 2 - After breakfast, you'll head out with day packs and hike up another 800' before wrapping around to the north side of the peak to reach the base of the climb. You may encounter snow depending on the season and an ice axe may be necessary. Ragged Edge is the classic route here, featuring 5.5-5.7 climbing with excellent positioning over the valley below. 6 pitches of climbing lead you right to the summit. Celebrate your accomplishment and take in the views amongst a sea of peaks. Descend back to camp via trail or snowfield, then pack up and continue on your way. You can expect to be back to the trailhead by 6pm.

  • Proficiency in basic climbing knots and hitches and ability to safely lead belay.
  • Previous experience outdoor rock climbing at 5.8 or above.
  • Experience as a member of a team on at least 1 alpine climb.
  • Ability to safely travel on moderate snow slopes with ice axe is recommended for June-July climbs.
  • Any additional climbing experience will enhance your ability to learn, but is not required.
  • Ability to hike and climb for 10 hours and ascend 3,000' with a 45 lb pack.
  • Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
  • 7-10 days before your trip you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
  • Plan to attend a virtual pre-trip meeting in the evening a few days before your course begins. This is required and a great opportunity to meet your guide, review gear, discuss your trip plan, and ask any last minute questions. For Sat-Sun AIARE courses plan on Thursday 6:30-8:30pm; otherwise the exact time of your meeting will be set by your instructor and noted in their welcome email.
  • Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
  • Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. Upon arrival, we'll distribute any group gear and finish loading our packs. From there we will caravan to the trailhead.
  • All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This trip will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

  • Pre-trip planning.
  • Route finding and navigation.
  • Safe travel techniques using an ice axe in a snowy environment (early season).
  • Alpine rock movement and technique.
  • Multi-pitch systems and rope management.


PLUS:

  • A fun experience you’ll remember forever! 
  • A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
  • Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
  • Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.
Vesper Peak Summit Climb