Pagoda Mountain
The Keyboard of the Winds and Pagoda Mountain as seen on the approach.
A surprsingly aesthetic and fun moderate alpine rock climb to a summit with stunning views
The Keyboard of the Winds and Pagoda Mountain as seen on the approach.
The Spearhead, an impressive 12er and popular alpine climbing destination. We climbed its classic North Ridge the following day.
Dominic ascending a large talus field en route to the North Buttress.
Dominic hiking up slabby terrain beneath the Keyboard of the Winds on the approach to Pagoda Mountain.
Dominic scrambling up slabby rock toward the North Buttress.
Dominic leading the first pitch up 5.5ish terrain.
Dominic leading out on the second pitch - steep but not very difficult.
Dominic leading up one of the two short slabby, hard to protect sections.
The steep headwall is the crux of the climb. Dominic can be seen belaying me at its base in the lower left corner.
Dominic leading the fifth and final pitch up the headwall.
Looking up the headwall from partway up the fifth pitch. Nice 5.6ish climbing, steep and juggy.
Looking up at Dominic atop the headwall from near the top of the fifth pich. The climbing up high is easier but there is some loose rock to watch out for.
Longs Peak as seen from Pagoda's North Buttress.
Scramble from the top of the headwall to the summit. Mostly 3rd class scrambling is broken up by slightly tougher moves here and there. Dominic trailed the rope since we weren't sure whether we'd need it again or not. If I were to do this climb again I'd pack up the rope right above the headwall.
Dominic relaxing on the summit of Pagoda Mountain with Longs Peak in the background.
Looking back at Pagoda's North Buttress on the descent.
Another look at The Spearhead on the descent.