Where: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
When: July 2008
Partners: DB
Route: Lake Ledges (Class 4 & Steep Snow)
Mileage/Gain: 12/5,100
Heading off one morning from the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, just as me, Mike Cressman and Rick Kent had done two years earlier on our climb of Grand Teton, DB and I had high anticipation of an "interesting" day in the still-heavily-snowed high country of Grand Teton National Park.
Eventually leaving the Garnet Canyon Trail and heading up the Amphitheater Lake Trail, we began to hit snow...and then more snow. Passing Surprise Lake under full snow, we arrived at Amphitheater Lake and got our first view of our objective.
Hmmm, lots of snow but doable. We angled left around the lake and headed up the snow.
Soon reaching the Lake Ledges, we found that the heavy snow still buried any apparent trivial way to gain them. Instead, we pulled off a few funky moves and gradually traversed our way up and right in search of easier ground.
Near the top of the ledges, we encountered a 100-foot 60-degree snow slope that we could bail left off of about halfway up and eventually gain easier ground. Negotiating through the difficulties, we put away the rope and continued on.
Eventually leaving the snow, we climbed onto surprisingly enjoyable rock (class 3) that led us to the tiny and hugely exposed summit! An awesome finish!
Once there, it was immediately apparently why the first ascent party had dubbed the peak "Disappointment". Afterall, Grand Teton was right next door and towered more than 2,000 vertical feet above.
And so with a quick bite and some water, we headed down...fully satisfied with our day in the Teton backcountry.
TOPO
Disappointment Peak (11,618 Feet)
