P1. From near the bottom of the Grassy Goat Trail, scramble up low-angle rock near a single crack to the parallel cracks, then climb left to small tree. 5.4 at best. We simul-climbed this pitch.
P2. Step right to a pair of facing corners and surmount an overhang. 5.8
P3. Follow a right-facing corner for 1 pitch (5.6-5.8)
P4. Follow a corner to above two large blocks. Twenty feet higher, the parallel cracks become difficult. Take the left crack. 5.8
P5-? Easy scrambling to ridge of Haystack Mt.
To descend, walk north along a wide-sweeping ridge. There were a few cairns to mark the start of the Grassy Goat Trail.
Location
This climb is located on Haystack Mountan, West Face, Center Section. See Joe Kelsey's "Climbing and Hiking in the Wind River Range."
The descent is the Grassy Goat Trail. It is considered Grade I 4th class. For the unseasoned climber, this may require a few short rappels. It will definitely sustain your attention.
Protection
Typical alpine route. We didn't encounter any fixed gear or bolts. The top is a walk off without anchors
By Brian Post From: Jackson, NH Mar 31, 2007 rating: 5.8
I actually found the Grassy Goat Trail less serious than I thought it would be. It's definitely exposed with mostly hiking, easy scrambling, and only a few sections where you would use hands. It of course varies from person to person, but I only wanted to rap one section (about half way down?, slings) and once that was in a thunder/hail storm.
By Jared Spaulding From: Southern UT/Central WY Aug 20, 2008
I believe the first ascent was Joe Kelsey and Bill St Jean in 1973. This is according to Joe Kelsey's Climbing and Hiking in the Wind River Mountains guidebook.
Haystack Mountain
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