True Grit is a stunning five-pitch alpine route on Vesper Peak’s north face, featuring exceptionally clean, solid granite and exhilarating climbing in a wildly exposed and scenic setting. With five pitches of engaging movement—including cracks, chimneys, slabs, and jigsaw blocks— the climb offers variety, challenge, and a rewarding sense of adventure. The stone is exceptionally solid and clean throughout, offering bomber protection and confident movement on high-friction granite. The route ascends the dramatic north face of Vesper in a position that feels both wild and exposed, with sweeping views of Glacier Peak, Del Campo, and the rugged terrain of the Mountain Loop corridor. True Grit is a modern classic that blends quality rock with big-mountain ambiance, making it a must-do for Cascades alpine rock enthusiasts.
- Dates: Custom, call or email for availability
- Duration: 8-10 Hours
- Level: Beginner
- Client Ratio: 2:1
- Difficulty: II 5.8 (5-pitches)
- Cost:
- 1:1 $550 per person
- 2:1 $370 Per Person
- Two day option and pricing is available.
- Included: Park fees, group climbing equipment, and guide services.
- Not Included:Ground transportation airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, meals while on the mountain, and all personal items
Day 1 – 4,000′ ↑ 4,000’↓, 7 Miles, 8-10 hours
The approach begins at the Sunrise Mine Trailhead, located off the Mountain Loop Highway.From the trailhead, hikers follow the Sunrise Mine Trail for approximately 2.7 miles to reach Headlee Pass at an elevation of 4,720 feet. This section of the trail involves a steep ascent with numerous switchbacks, gaining about 2,600 feet in elevation. Beyond Headlee Pass, the trail continues around the south flanks of Sperry Peak into the upper Vesper Creek basin, eventually leading to the base of Vesper Peak’s north face. The approach to True Grit on Vesper Peak has a total round-trip distance for the approach of approximately 7.0 miles, with an elevation gain of around 4,000 feet of gain. The route is north-facing, so climbers should be prepared for slick conditions if there is any moisture, and early-season ascents may require an ice axe and crampons due to snow on the approach. True Grit combines technical challenges with stunning alpine scenery, making it a rewarding climb for experienced alpinists.
- The route begins with an easy 5.4 pitch leading to a bolted belay below a narrow chimney.
- The second pitch ascends a groove into a squeeze chimney, followed by a challenging move onto a short bolted slab.
- The third pitch features slab climbing into a shallow corner, culminating in a small overhang and jigsaw rock leading to a tiny belay ledge.
- The fourth pitch is the highlight, presenting a long, sustained splitter crack with a crux step across where the crack briefly disappears, followed by fun juggy climbing to a belay at the crest of the headwall.
- The final pitch is a short 5.6 face and slab climb leading to the top of the face.
The descent typically follows a southeastward walk-off from the summit.
Our recommended clothing system has four layers.
Base layer: manages moisture and wicks perspiration away from your skin. (synthetic or merino wool)
Softshell: should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well.
Hard shell: windproof, waterproof and breathable. (e.g. Gore-Tex, or similar)
Insulating layer: should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard)
These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.
Climbing Gear
- Climbing Helmet: Lightweight
- Rock Climbing Harness: Padded and adjustable
- Approach Shoes(After July 4th or when the now is gone)
- Rock Climbing Shoes – Snug and comfortable
- Belay Device: Tube style belay device ie .BD Guide ATC
- Nylon Slings: (1) 60 cm nylon sling, (1) 120 cm nylon sling
- 2 Locking carabiners 2-Large, pear-shaped carabiners;
- 2 Regular carabiners (e.g. Wire-gate are recommended)
Early Season
- Ice Axe Lightweight Under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”- 6’2” use 65cm,
- 3 Season mountaineering boots (Must be crampon compatible)
- Crampons with anti-ball plate,
- Adjustable trekking poles- optional
Upper Body
- Synthetic T-shirt
- Sun Hoodie Lightweight, light colored for sunny days
- Sports bra Two, synthetic,
- Soft Shell with hood
- Mid-Weight Down/Synthetic Jacket (with hood)
- Hard shell jacket with hood Waterproof and breathable. Gore-Tex or equivalent is best
- 1 Pair light leather palmed gloves for warmth and rappelling
- Warm hat Wool or synthetic
- Buff or Balaclava
- Shade hat or baseball cap
Lower Body
- 1 Pair soft shell pants lightweight
- Synthetic hiking socks
Backpack
- Internal frame pack 30-40 liter capacity
Miscellaneous Equipment
- Sunglasses 100% UV protection with side shields or wrap around.
- Personal first aid repair kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, and batteries etc.
- Lip balm At least SPF 20
- Sunscreen At least SPF 40
- Headlamp lightweight LED
- 2 water bottles 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 bottle holster, or
- Hydration bladder With drinking tube and 1 Nalgene bottle
- WAG Bag or toilet paper stored in a plastic bag.
- Bandana
- Hand wipes
- Favorite snack food
WHO WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?
We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with the AMGA in the rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $20-30 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?
No, for these trips we strongly suggest to buy your equipment due to obscenely large rental costs for trip of this length.
HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
Day trips will keep your pack between 10-15 pounds max.
WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?
For Scheduled Domestic Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due 60 days from trip departure. Payable by check, Credit Card with service charge or Venmo.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
90 to 31 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost
30 days or less – 100% of trip cost
WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress, we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.