Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
The Grenadier's Finest - Vestal, Arrow & the Trinities
The Grenadier's Finest - Vestal, Arrow & the Trinities
Peaks: Vestal Peak (13,864'), Arrow Peak (13,803'), West Trinity (13,765'), Trinity Peak (13,805'), East Trinity (13,745') Dates: August 27-30, 2015 Trailhead: Elk Creek via Molas Pass and the Train Approach: Vestal Basin Participants: David Yarian, Jason Blyth, Rick Thompson, Dillon Sarnelli
Me: "Hey boys, let's hit up Vestal Basin in 2015!". Rick: "Hell yeah!". David: "The Wham!". Jason: "Yer gonna die!".
Me: "I think we should do it from Molas Pass". Silence...
And so in that short conversation last fall we at least got the ball rolling. Fast forward through the laziest winter of all time on my part to a spring and summer that has been nothing but the opposite. August was finally here. Wham Bam Wemi Weekend '15 was upon us. With Jason exploring Saskatchewan, Zambo away at summer camp, and Rick... (we actually don't know what Rick's been up to other than it involves Tinder, his basement, handcuffs, skis and maybe one of his neighbors pets), the 4 of us hadn't had an opportunity to all get out in the hills at the same time this year. An extended weekend in the San Juans was about to fix all that. Keep reading...
that capture the experience well. You’ve done it, I have to go back and do it again I blame your photos... Which route did you take on Trinities? Did you drop down to the back side towards the Balsam lake? We did that and it was good scrambling from that side, but I’d like to find the upper traverse that stays on Trinity lake side next time I am there.
We now know the perfect Colorado formula for avoiding weather:
Step 1: Bring a Sarnelli.
Step 2: Ask Zambo to predict rain soon.
Haha....what an awesome report, buddy. Your pictures and words never fail to impress. This one is easily the funniest yet. And you capture so many of the jokes from the weekend: air jordan, our friend the deer, the case of beer, anal sandstorming.....I’m just upset you didn’t use the sleeping beauty pic of yourself. Maybe that one would have been enough to lure out the phantom single women for you and Rick.
But awesome report dude. Thanks for putting it together and documenting the trip so well. This one was special. No Name 2016?
Doug - I just saw your email last week! I’m terrible. If I’m still worthy, count me in for 2016 for sure!
Natalie - thanks! You are everywhere and I owe you like 30 TR comments. haha. Pretty awesome! We were on the Balsam side for a bit low and almost as high as ridge proper for a while as well. I didn’t even know there was a traverse on the north side?!?!
Cameron - me too man, you wont be disappointed that’s for sure. Get in there!
John - you’re welcome. haha. no triple hash? #### maybe a quad?
Alex - thanks! Appreciate it. hell of a trip indeed! you’re probably getting ready to put those skies back on soon man. crazy how fast summer goes.
Zambo - haha, TR’s and laughs are easy when you spend 4 days the way we did. I was by myself at the time, but I’m pretty sure I had huge grin on my face when that 1st raindrop hit me as I opened the jeep door at Molas. You called it. No Name ’16, you bet amigo.
Matt - thanks! doesn’t really get much better than the Wemi. Looks like I have a 1/2 report to read in the AM. That one was one of my favorites last summer. Well done.
there sure is. We didn’t find it either last time Trinities are awesome peaks, those gullies up high are really fun. Oh, and good luck in NoName next year. You won’t be disappointed. Good thing you’ve already started training with the extra credit Molas pass approach - big J approach is long.
...pack in from Molas instead of taking the train, right? That’s a beautiful area. I could spend the rest of my life in the Weminuche and never get tired of it. Nice photos of some nice climbs. Glad the Vestal Creek weather cooperated for you this summer better than it did for me in 2014.
Eddie – my thoughts exactly on the train Thanks for the PM’s and the info. Much appreciated! I think we both agree the Wemi will never get old. Hopefully we can run into each other again in there!
Nice climb! I did the Chicago Basin this weekend and just kept staring at those peaks. Definitely on my list for 2016 if I can find some partners crazy enough. Your pictures are phenomenal, especially that one of Wham Ridge.
Thanks Michael! It’s really hard to take a crappy pic in the Wemi though man. Nice work over there in Chicago. Some great weather we had, eh? Definitely put this one on your ’16 list. I bet you’re ready to put those skies back on soon!
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
I blame your photos... Which route did you take on Trinities? Did you drop down to the back side towards the Balsam lake? We did that and it was good scrambling from that side, but I’d like to find the upper traverse that stays on Trinity lake side next time I am there.
