Carl Blaurock held a lifelong admiration for Albert Ellingwood, recognizing him as a pioneering technical climber. Conversely, his disapproval of Walter Kiener, Agnes Vaille’s companion during her tragic Longs Peak climb, remained unwavering for decades. Vaille had aspired to be the first to summit the east face in winter. Despite several attempts in the late fall of 1924 with Blaurock and Kiener, Vaille and Kiener embarked on a January attempt without Blaurock. Blaurock cautioned her, “Don’t go, Agnes.” Retrieving her body, he later described, was “one of the saddest events in my life.”
The American Alpine Club Library’s Blaurock Collection offers a glimpse into his life, featuring photos from A Climber’s Climber, digitized 8mm films documenting climbs from the 1930s and 1940s, and Carl’s personal effects such as his bedroll and tripod. His contributions to Trail and Timberline can also be found within the collection. Blaurock, a gifted and dedicated photographer, captured numerous images that are scattered throughout fifty years of the publication. In 1973, Blaurock undertook his last significant climb and photography project, ascending Notch Mountain to recreate William Henry Jackson’s renowned photograph of Mount of the Holy Cross on its 100th anniversary.
Blaurock’s personal favorite photograph, as indicated in his albums, was a shot of the 14,197-foot Crestone Needle taken in 1920 from the northern slopes of Marble Mountain. The image, characterized by surreal clouds and abundant late spring snow on the peaks, held a special significance for him. A large print of this photograph, gifted by Carl, occupies a prominent place in my home, and I am always reminded of him when I see it. This image exemplifies the beauty and challenge of Colorado’s fourteeners, a range of mountains that continue to inspire climbers today. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or just beginning to explore the peaks, a climbing guide to Colorado’s fourteeners walter r borneman can provide the knowledge and inspiration you need for a safe and rewarding experience.
