This little formation is is a great example of what's possible. The formation, climbing, everything about it is all there for you to vizualize and do, but still somehow it seems elusive, and rarely does it get climbed. I dreamed of doing ths route so many times. I went over and over it in my head. I would often think of what would happen if it got really hard and really scary, but these were just pre-thoughts and they don't really help. Once you get on it, it tells you right away whether it's the day or not. Pick a good day and have fun. If this is a route you've been wanting to do, then get out there and Just do it. Thanks to the folks who put it up. As for the folks who are no longer with us, may they rest in peace.
Hello Kris, I don't mean to let the cat out of the bag on this one, but here goes. Vertigo is a pretty safe climb. Thirty foot run-outs are NOT common place on this route, in fact there is a ton of gear all over the route, most of which is bomber. The crux, both of them are protected well enough and the only big run-out is on easy terrain. I think this is one of the best routes I have done anywhere.It does have a reputation though and I think thats why people think its so scary. In my opinion the Rating R means serious potential for getting very hurt, X means certain death if a fall were to occur, PG-13 = big fall potential. I think with all the good gear we have today this is a safe route. The worst gear on it is the rurp, but 3ft below it is a double bolt set-up = good gear, second worse gear is the high pin, but below that you have many good pieces as well as above, also your way off the ground and if you were to fall there really is not much to hit, you could go big and be ok. I have done a lot of routes in the needles and have been in real danger before. Not once on Vertigo did I think to myself holyshit I am going to die. FYI as far as I can tell I was the 13 person to lead it, Although I am sure some people have done it without signing the register. I hope I am not coming of a s jerk by asking you this, but have you done this route Kris, or have you just HEARD about. I hope more people get out there and do this, of course people climbing this route need to have a good head and most of all want to do it. Have fun!
Er...well pointed criticism. No, I didn't do it. I would like to try it and so I did talk about it with Dave Groth who had done it and I just read an article about it in old R&I (that's why I actually checked out your description). I was just surprised with PG13 based on what I heard and read. Sorry, I should've made that clear. So I humbly back off. PG 13 that is. My hats off to you for the 13th ascent. I'll voice myself when or if I do it.
Kurt I did the 13th ascent or at least was the 13th one to sign the register.I would have to check my photos but think it was 98. I think Matt Samet did the 14th. It saw a long dry spell of few ascents. I broke the old pin on a previous attempt and drove the shitty blade to bail. Came back later and did it clean in colder conditions. I will weigh in to keep the R rating. I thought the gear by the roll on the upper part was not great and was committing moving out to the crack. I am not into the down grading thing too much. I don't think it is super dangerous but does deserve an R! It is a great route! Must do Dave Groth
Dave, I think you're probably right about your ascent being the 13th, for one I can count for #$@!, and it is hard to tell who actually climbed the thing or just did the jump over. I will also out of respect for the people coming to climb this thing agree with a R rating. After all it's totally possible to break your ankle during a big whip.
Kris, If you're in the mood to do this thing, you should go give it a try. You will find out for yourself what it's all about. Have fun and good luck.
Kurt Maybe with it should stay PG-13 it would see more traffic, your call! I have a nice photo of climbing the route from Camps crack i will scan and add. It is good to see people out doing this route either way it is super classic. Have you done Larry's route spooky? I added it awhile back.
I think this climb is one of Herb and Jan Conn's. I also think it has seen more than 13 ascents. If you can check with Rusty Lewis or Neal Countryman, they have better historic information on this than I do. Neal never climbed it, but may know who has. I would suspect that Rusty and or Mike Lewis did this climb.
Quote From: Roy Stahl, on 04-22-08 "I think this climb is one of Herb and Jan Conn's. I also think it has seen more than 13 ascents. If you can check with Rusty Lewis or Neal Countryman, they have better historic information on this than I do. Neal never climbed it, but may know who has. I would suspect that Rusty and or Mike Lewis did this climb."
Roy, The summit of Vertigo was first reached via rappel from Outer Outlet by John Reppy in 1958. The actual first fifth class ascent of Vertigo was climbed on July 19, 1979 by Kevin Bein, Barbara Devine, Bob Archbald, Jim Mullin, Mike Gotszche & Paul Muehl. All members of the F.A. party shared in the establishment of the route over a three day period.
In light of the fact the Conns did not own harnesses and down climbed everything, I do not believe they ever experienced the summit of Vertigo let alone claiming the F.A. None the less the F.A. of Vertigo was definately a high point in the history of rock climbing for the CSP Needles.
On another note: It seems to me like Matt Samet's article in Rock & Ice (X-Rated scrolled over a photo of himself climbing Vertigo on the front cover) seriously over-hyped the Needles experience much like any mainstream media would sensationalize their headlines to sell more copies.
Some historical info on early Vertigo Ascents. This is from memory and first or second hand conversations. Agree that it isn't an R route. 5.11C PG13 sounds right (if the bolts & pins have been replaced). Surprising there hasn't been more activity over the past 20 years. It is one of the Needles classics. FWIW.
1st Ascent Kevin Bein, et al This was really Kevin's show, he and Barb were grades ahead of anyone climbing in the Needles. Interesting that both of the bolts were drilled by first timers. (Kevin and Jim M.)
2nd Ascent Mark Hudon and Max Jones. 1979? The legendary team of "Long, Hard, and Free", they had almost freed the Salathe. Used one rope & short slings and fought vicious rope drag.
3rd Ascent Kim Carrigan, et al 1980? One of the world's top climbers, he took a long (50+ foot fall?) on the route, adding greatly to the route's intimidation factor. Heard 2nd hand that the fall was due to a super "relaxed" belay, and off-route climbing. Apparently the belayer said something along the lines of "he doesn't usually fall on 5.12". Which in 1980 was ....
4th Pete DeLanoy 1983? Said he had overtrained for the route, doing hard right-to-left boulder traverses to prepare for the cruxes. Wasn't as difficult as expected. First Mortal Ascent : )
5th Ascent Christian Griffith 1985? No falls, no drama.
6th Ascent Mark Jacobs 1985? Fell on the first traverse, and broke the RURP sling. Fell between the cruxes (snapped a hold) and pulled a nut (flake broke). Fell on the crux traverse, and pulled the "bomber" nut left by Pete D. Based on the fact that you could fall lots and rip gear, its safe. Came back the next day to finish it. Sublime, fortress-like summit
7th Ascent Tim Toula 1986? Belayed Tim, and he had phenominal endurance from a season of Tower climbing. Climbed around and mucked with pro forever. Looked like he could have downclimbed it. Following it was a different perspective than leading. Lower crux seem easier (11A) and the upper crux felt hard (11C/D).
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