The First Ascent of the Diamond

The Diamond is an area on the East Face of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was closed to climbers in 1954. It developed a mystique of difficulty and danger and became a sought after prize. The Park Superintendent lifted the ban in the summer of 1960. Two outsiders from California, Dave Rearick and Bob Kamps, were the first to successfully meet the demanding application requirements to make the historic climb. This is the story of their historic first ascent. Bob's widow, Bonnie, sets the scene and Dave recalls the adventure of the climb.