So, after sitting down with a beer, it dawned on me that it was probably about time to contribute something to the taco for the many hours of entertainment and knowledge it has provided me. So, here's a delayed TR of my climb on the wild N. Ridge of Lone Pine Peak.


After having a blast on the Bear Creek Spire, I decided to head down to the Mt. Whitney area for a similar, but much longer climb: the North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak.
Lone Pine Peak is the mountain on the left side of the photo and the route that I took is the long ridge, angling down and right from the peak.
Just finished the 3 hour approach to get onto the rock ridge. Super excited at this point! LOOK AT THAT ROCK!!!!
The North Ridge from the start of the route with the 3 towers and the summit headwall all in view.
A large 100ft flake made an interesting formation half way up the ridge with large drops into the abyss on either side! WOOHOO!
The lower half of the North Ridge from above.
Here, I had to do what felt to me like a 5.6/7 down climb from the large flake which definitely got my attention! Great climbing but sorta exposed. I'm pretty sure it could be avoided if you got creative.
For the crux 5.7 lie-back, I took out my rope to belay for about three 100ft pitches. No harder than 5.7, but a bit much for my solo head with some serious exposure off the west side of the ridge. The 5.7 was only about 60 feet, but I stayed roped up until I felt really comfortable again.
The final few hundred feet to the summit! GREAT scrambling!!! Choose your own adventure! There's a great 5.7 hand/finger crack to start the headwall out of the notch.
Standing on the summit with the incredible view of Mt. Whitney and Russel as the backdrop. Pretty hard to beat.
Looking down on the North Ridge from the summit.
The long North Ridge from the west side on the approach/descent trail.


Definitely one of those perfect adventures that makes the day feel like it was made for you! Very special.