Wetterhorn Peak Video

[mr_Chris]

I had to turn around on Wetterhorn this summer b/c I couldn't stomach the final push. Got about 20 feet up, saw the exposure, and being alone, didn't feel safe trying to summit. On the other hand, I didn't have any trouble with the homestretch on Longs at all. I had heard a lot of people say that if you could handle the homestretch on Longs, you could handle the last 100 feet of class 3 on Wetterhorn, but I was an exception to that guideline lol. The more I see video of it, though, the more it seems very doable and makes me want to go back and try again, probably with a buddy this time.

[Huckleberry]

I hiked it solo last year. Some clouds rolled in and visibility was down to less than 100' at that section, so I never saw the exposure. The video makes me glad I couldn't see too far, I probably would have been terrified. It was an enjoyable section of class 3 though.

[acidchylde]

No kidding. How exposed is it?

Very? Not sure how to rate that. I've felt more exposed elsewhere, the short stretch on the Sawtooth being the first thing that comes to mind. But if you slipped and got any kind of momentum going, or a roll... it would be bad. Down and out is pretty open, but you've got rock to your left and right (and up). I'm near the bottom in this shot, and it's a wide angle lens pointed down, but it's the best one I have that's postable right now showing exposure. I believe the ledge in the up video is the flat red area up and left of me, and I'm somewhere in the vicinity of OP's partner when he looks up at the end.

near the bottom

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I've only got one picture I can find off-hand where the camera isn't pointed down or up (which, in combination with the super wide angle of the video is what can make it seem steeper than it is), but it's higher up near the top on the steps and not the steepest part. Heck, it's probably the widest or least sloped part of that section.

on a step

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As far as comparing the Homestretch and Wetterhorn I've heard much the same thing, but I view it more of a 'if you're ok on Long's, then Wetterhorn is the next little step up and you should be good'. Roach describes it as a 'gateway' or taste of the harder ones if all you've done are easier ones.

BTW OP, nice vids. Just wish they were longer. ;D

[Hungry Jack]

Those pics are first rate!

[JROSKA]

Those pics are first rate!

I agree, great pictures. Although it seems like exposure always looks more dramatic in pictures and videos, than when I'm actually there, staring right at it. I remember this to be the case with Long's Homestretch, The Narrows, and Wetterhorn's final 100-foot pitch. I'm not sure if that's reality, or mind-over-matter. Anyways, I've always enjoyed looking at pictures of exposure on peaks I intend to do, but I'm learning that the best way to gauge it is to just get there and look right at it. But again, it's nice to look at pictures that other people have taken from high up on Wetterhorn, since I basically completely forgot I had my camera with me between "yellow dirt" and summit.

[3rdGenNative]

I remember right before I did Wetterhorn there was a thread about exposure. Someone wrote, "Don't believe the pictures". I'm really skittish on exposure and Wetterhorn was simply a blast. Glad I didn't let the fear stay in my head. In the middle of the last part I was thinking how fun it would be to bring my wife and two daughters on that hike. The exposure can be greatly exaggerated by how you frame the photo.