Jaws Falls (2) - Just Hiking

Statistics

Date - 01/28/2023
Elevation - 8,600'
Route - Jaws Falls
Miles - 2.0
Elevation Gain - 500'
ACME Mapper - Link
CalTopo - Link
Partners - Nick Quesnel, Haley Young

Description

I read online that Jaws Fall was in fairly good shape over the past few weeks and I hadn't been to this climb since 2009. Nick generously invited me to join him and Haley on this particular day, which ended up being a good one. The forecast was poor, but we didn't have any issues with the weather all day. Nick had to be back moderately early, so I was up at 4:00 am to meet Haley and the Eldorado park and ride at 5:30.

One party was in the Fern Lake Trailhead parking lot when we arrived, but the two climbers were taking their time getting the day going. We made fairly quick work of the approach and Nick gave me the money pitch since he had already led it. Haley opted to lead the second pitch. I was able to get up the pitch without hanging, but my arms were tired and had had to rest a few times near the top to get up the route.

I brought Haley up and we fixed a line for Nick to climb up. As Nick was ascending the first pitch, Haley started the second pitch and built a solid three screw anchor at the top. We fixed Nick's line again and enjoyed the views and beautiful weather until he joined us. We were able to descend the entire route in one rappel and then decided to head back so Nick didn't miss his son's birthday party. In addition, there were two additional parties on the climb so another lap wasn't really feasible.

Photos