Castle Rock and the Lace Castle

Castle Rock, viewed from hill to the southeast.

The fantastic slabs on the approach to the Lace Castle (sticking up at center right). Photo by Elke Dratch.

The Lace Castle, whose existence was pointed out to us by Sunny Stroeer.

WInd blowing the grass makes perfect circles!

To get to the base of Castle Rock we descended the slab left of center. Last year Jonathan and I ascended this slab with no problem. The descent required more care.

Elke climbing the steepest section of Castle Rock’s face.

Upper reaches of Castle Rock. Photo by Elke Dratch.

Upper plateau of Castle Rock.

Castle Rock Arch, near summit of Castle Rock.

Katie descending the steepest section.

Elke on the steep descent.

Our last climb (5.2; unroped) to avoid the final pouroff. Katie topped out first; we then hauled packs from the halfway point, using the string and biner I use to tether my pole to my pack! The holds were very solid and no one had a problem. This is a little upstream from where Jonathan and I descended when we approached this way last year. Second photo by Elke Dratch.