North American Classic Climbs

Keystone Greensteps

(Valdez Area)

Description

Climbers*

Photo*

Date

30T01

30T01

The falls from the road (looking west)

-

GC

late Feb, 2002

30T02

30T02

A view of the upper section of the climb, taken from the base.

-

GC

"

30T03

30T03

A view from the left side.

-

GC

"

30T05

30T05

Just starting the climb.

MJ

GC

"

30T06

30T06

Leading pitch 1.

MJ

GC

"

30T07

30T07

Higher on pitch 1.

MJ

GC

"

30T08

30T08

On the steepest section of pitch 1.

MJ

GC

"

30T09

30T09

The second arriving at the top of the pillar of pitch 1.

GC

MJ

"

30T10

30T10

Starting the lead of pitch 2. Many options are possible - we chose to lead straight up from the belay at the extreme left edge, which provided some stemming opportunities.

GC

MJ

"

30T11

30T11

Higher on the lead of pitch 2.

GC

MJ

"

30T12

30T12

Traversing out onto the main face, pitch 2. On this day, a band of flowing water had to be passed.

GC

MJ

"

30T13

30T13

Still life, the tools of the trade.

-

GC

"

30T14

30T14

The second arriving on the terrace, pitch 2. The Lowe River and the road to Valdez are visible below.

MJ

GC

"

30T15

30T15

Beginning the steep pillar lead, pitch 3.

MJ

GC

"

30T16

30T16

The belay at the top of pitch 3.

MJ

GC

"

30T17

30T17

Beginning the rolling terrain pitch 4.

GC

MJ

"

30T18

30T18

The final pillar.

GC

MJ

"

30T19

30T19

Classic Alaskan bushwhacking - the second arriving at the rim.

MJ

GC

"

30T20

30T20

The belay at the top from alder bushes. If you don't want to go over the top, the last belay can be 50 ft below at a large tree.

GC

MJ

"

30U01

30U01

The climber looking down the descent gully after a long ascending traverse in deep snow.

MJ

GC

"

30U02

30U02

Descending the gully. Don't do this if the avalanche potential is high!

GC

MJ

"

30U03

30U03

From the extreme left side, the middle section of the route can be seen in profile. Also note the alternate descent path along the base of the rock cliff, which can be taken after two rappels.

-

GC

"