Vesper

Vesper Peak is a gem of an alpine rock climb in the North Cascades. With an amazing bivy site at its base, 5-6 pitches of technical climbing on solid rock, and a beautiful summit, this is a budding alpinist’s dream. Multiple high quality routes breach the headwall leading directly to the summit, with the most popular being Ragged Edge (5.7) and True Grit (5.8). Both routes would be quick classics at any crag, and their appeal is only elevated by their sustained, exposed nature and Vesper’s remote setting. Add in an expansive view over the Glacier Peak Wilderness and you have a complete alpine climbing experience.

Scheduled: $850 Custom: $800 - $1100

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 1
After a Gear Check and Orientation in Granite Falls, we’ll take the Mountain Loop Highway to the Sunrise Mine Trailhead. We’ll make our approach to the bivy site at the lake below Vesper Peak. Here, we’ll set up our camp and review rope techniques to be used on the climb the following day.

Day 2
We’ll get an early start from camp and ascend talus and ledges to the base of the route. From there, you will climb the 600 foot shield of rock via Ragged Edge (5.7) or True Grit (5.8). From the summit, it’s a mellow scramble back to the bivy. After a snack and rest we will pack up and return to the trailhead in the evening, enjoying the last light after a long day in the mountains.

(Optional) Day 3
For those looking for a more leisurely trip, we can spend a second night at the bivy site and return to the cars the next morning. Or for those who haven’t gotten enough alpine rambling, add on a summit of Sperry Peak via a 3rd class scramble to stunning views before descending to the trailhead. This general itinerary is subject to change based on weather, route conditions and participant skill level, among other factors.

Trip Details

Ratio

1 - 2 Guests Per Guide

Season

May - October, conditions dependent

Duration

2 - 3 Days

Skill level

Intermediate +

Gear List

Provided at Booking

Download Gear List

Program Cost Includes: Ropes, tents, stoves, fuel, breakfasts, dinners
Program Cost Does NOT Include: Transportation

Reviews

• Adrienne: “Climbing with CMA was a true reflection of mindful mountaineering. As a female mountain lover, I’m used to being the only lady in a group of dudes. Sometimes that doesn’t feel 100% comfortable... I will definitely be climbing with CMA again!"

• Chase: “They do the essentials really well: they’re professional, knowledgeable and competent... What sets them apart for me is that they do all that AND make it FUN. I highly recommend them!”

• Blake: “I hired this guide crew for technical education... I’ll continue to lean on Cascade Mountain Ascents to bring me further into the backcountry.”

• Maggie: “Cascade Mountain Ascents is seriously raising the bar for avalanche education... I would absolutely recommend taking a course with CMA!"

• Adrian: “Zack and Cascade Mountain Ascents is the best choice for your adventure... His knowledge and skills... had us feeling safe and confident all the way.”

• BRENNAN: “I’ve taken courses with the guides at CMA... Each time I’ve come away more competent, more confident, and inspired.”

• WOLFGANG: “Fifth time out with Zack – and as always it was spectacular... Countless successfully climbed peaks and everlasting memories are the rewards.”

• PATRICK: “I have skied with all the guides at CMA... They know where to find the best skiing and have extensive knowledge of the local terrain.”

Skill Levels

Alpine

• Beginner: I’ve never (or only a handful of times) been alpine climbing before.
• Intermediate: I’ve climbed a bit on snow as well as rock and understand the basics.
• Advanced: I’m a strong climber with at least a few years of experience climbing snow, rock, and ice.
• Expert: Climbing is life. I have many years of experience climbing big mountain objectives in steep variable terrain.

Program Rates

Technical Programs

Cascade Mountain Ascents pays guides more when they are working in terrain that is more involved or poses higher objective hazard. Therefore, a surcharge is added to trips we deem Challenging ($100) and Complex ($200). A custom surcharge may apply to non-standard programs.