The Grand Teton via Upper Exum Ridge

Grand Tetons National Park, WY

Grand Teton via Upper Exum Ridge (5.6, Trad, Grade V, 14 miles round trip, 7,000 ft of vertical gain, 1,000 ft of climbing)

Josh ontop of Spalding Falls getting ready for the push to the Lower Saddle.

After Yosemite, we stop by home for a couple days to re-cooperate and to say goodbye to my Mom as she heads to Texas.  We had a few more days to spare so we set out for the Grand Tetons.  It was Kt's first time there.  It truly is a magnificent range of mountains.  We only had time for an overnighter and our window to summit was short but our spirits were high as we started.

"I'm not cute, I'm Kt." - Kt Allred

The Middle Teton

Negotiating the boulder field.

Our camp site! Next to a waterfall! Yeah!

First sign of the Grand.

Looking back on Garnett Canyon.

Home for the night.  You can see our tent in the background.

The next day we headed out to for the Grand.  We didn't realize that it was so far of a hike from the Meadow to the Lower Saddle.  It took up most of the morning and we had really bad wind.

Kt ontop of Spalding Falls.

Kt the Alpinist.

Kt admiring the glacier.

Kt starting up the scramble to the Lower Saddle.

Josh's turn.

Hero stance from Josh.

Holy cow it was windy. 50 mph winds!

The wind was blowing us over.

This is what the other side of the Tetons look like.

Kt navigating the boulders of the Lower Saddle.

W ended up calling it quits due to 50 mph winds, the fun factor was down the tube.  Some of the Exum Guide groups were able to summit (with the 4 am start at the Lower Saddle) but most turned around.  We pushed through to the Wall Street area.  Next time, we'll get it.  It was quite a challenge to route find just to start the route.  Now we are set to go for our second attempt.  On my way down from exploring, I did some exciting 4 class climbing and stumbled onto the route toward Wall Street and the Eye of the Needle (which was this awesome boulder cave).

Josh having a don't fall moment.

Whew, the worst is over!

We were fed up of the wind.

Go away wind!

Still smiling.  We had a fun day in the mountains.

On our way down Kt spranged her ankle pretty bad on a stupid boulder.  She was so tough and still made down the 7 miles that night!  Girl is crazy!  Also we ran across an Aspiro guide on our descent.  We can't escape work even in Wyoming!  The Tetons was a great experience for Kt and I.  Even without a summit.  It is amazing has climbing has evolved the older I get.  It has more meaning everyday.

A marmot!

Happy to be heading down.

"Cute little Pika." - Kt Allred

Spalding Falls