Day 7 (Layover Day) - Climb North Palisades Peak
The prize of the Palisades is our target today. North Pal, at 14,242 ft., is the highest peak in the Palisades Range, and proves a worthy challenge as Doug, Tina, Jan, Margi and I spend 13-1/2 hours on the round trip to the top and back. Several class 5 pitches make it feel like real mountaineering!
23 Photographs
1
Our goal today is the highest summit in the Palisades, North Palisades Peak itself (14,242’). The approach is up the last chute on the right in this photo, and up to the deep U-notch on the ridge just right of the summit.
2
Once again, we spend the first part of the climb on slippery, loose talus in the chute that will lead us to the ridge.
3
The chute opens up a bit and starts giving us some great views.
4
Doug sets up a quick belay on a steeper section.
5
And finally we reach the U-notch and get our view of Palisades Glacier again.
6
Jan settles in to the notch...
7
...since we face several class 5 pitches from here, and our pace slows down a bit on these technical portions. Doug leads up the first pitch...
8
...and Tina follows so she can move ahead and set up the second pitch.
9
Wheee! Lots of vertical rock - my favorite!
10
Once we’re all on the higher ridge, we start the nice traverse toward the summit.
11
Jan makes a few more technical moves...
12
...and we do a bit more class 3 climbing...
13
...and a little more traversing before we’re at the base of the summit block.
14
Margi starts working up the final summit chunks...
15
...with a little belay assist from Doug over an exposed crack...
16
...and up the final block...
17
...and across a few more steps...
18
...and we’re on top again!
19
There’s no feeling like being on the highest peak around!
20
Even bundled up against the bitter cold wind, everybody’s smiles tell it all!
21
This 360° panorama shows the grand views all around.
22
Coming down the steep loose chute was still a lot of work! The skid line from our descent is clearly visible down the center of the picture.
23
The Palisades glow with the last light of the day as we prepare to bid these mountains farewell.