2024-07-25 Cloudripper via West Chute and Vagabond Peak Loop

A thrilling (and sometimes, frightening) trip that tackles Cloudripper from its West Chute. Commonly rated as a YDS class 3 route, this offered a phenomenal rock climbing opportunity in the Sierra Nevada for those that are up to the challenge.
The route left Chocolate Lakes and traversed a large talus field while gradually gaining elevation to the bottom of Cloudripper’s West Chute. At the bottom of the West Chute there was a technical move serving as a spot check for climber’s abilities. The bottom half of the West Chute was largely made of talus on a steep slope that’s not too technical. Roughly in the middle of the West Chute there’s a bifurcation point where picking the right path forward was crucial. After that, the rocks became more integral of the mountain (while still being steep), and there were a few technical moves. After reaching the top of summit ridge it’s a short hike to the actual summit of Cloudripper.
For descent, we chose the popular and safe option of going via Vagabond Peak and Green Lake. This is Cloudripper’s standard route, rated as YDS class 2. After leaving Vagabond Peak, the there was literally no trail marking until the top of Green Lake Trail switchbacks. (On the internet, I saw another variation that went straight on the talus field to the south of Green Lake. I had no idea of its viability.) Our day ended with gorgeous views along Green Lake and Brown Lake as we headed back to the trailhead.
I did this with a friend of mine that was experiencing some degree of altitude sickness upon departing Cloudripper for our descent. As a result, my pace was limited between Cloudripper and Green Lake.

For more details of the trip, including routes, photos and climbing videos, click the following "View more" link.