a The intimidating Titan, viewed in 1962, looming over the other Fisher Towers in the background. The route climbed by Huntley Ingalls, Layton Kor, and George Hurley climbs to the “Finger of Fate” on the right, shaded side of the photo then climbs up the backside of the tower to the summit. Huntley Ingalls collection/AAC Library

a Layton Kor (left) and Huntley Ingalls (right) resting on top of the Titan. Castleton Tower, the Rectory, and the Priest can be seen in the distance. George Hurley/Huntley Ingalls Collection/AAC Library

a Layton Kor shows off his 180 homemade bolt hangers, crafted specifically for the first ascent of the Titan. The team used only 30 on their ascent, finding mostly natural protection. Huntley Ingalls collection/AAC Library

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THE TITAN

After their success on Castleton Tower, Huntley Ingalls badgered Layton Kor to try the much larger, and much chossier-looking formation nearby, the Titan. Kor instead began spending time in Yosemite. Ingalls finally said, “If you won’t climb that tower, I’ll find someone else who will!” Sponsorship from National Geographic magazine helped persuade Kor to leave Camp 4 and head back to Utah. They were joined by George Hurley (for major climbs at that time it was customary to have three people).

In the expectation that the route might require many bolts, Kor fabricated 180 bolt hangers out of strips of steel. Only about 30 were needed, and the route they found turned out to be a spectacular, high-quality climb.

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