Middle Spire  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  38.7875, -120.2441 Map Page Views:  18,154. Good page?    Administrators:  Aron Quiter, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Aron Quiter on Jun 20, 2005 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon 55° | 25° 63° | 30° 61° | 32° 59° | 27° 63° | 37°

Kevin Chapin gets perplexed as the knobs run out a...

Description 

The most popular spire at Phantom Spires is the middle spire. It's easy to get to, it's got a wide variety of routes (5.7 - 5.12) on terrain that varies from very slabby to moderatly overhung.

All the rock is frictiony granite that is often quite knobby.

As a spire in the middle of an open field, the rock is exposed to sun on different sides at different times of the day. The West side can be quite windy, since the exposed boulder field heading down the hill grabs gusts and throws them up past the spire.

Kandyland (5.10c) is an awesome traditional lead using slings on solid huge knobs for most of the route.

All routes descend via rappel, as there is no really easy way to the top of the spire.

Getting There 

Approach time: 10 minutes.

From the main parking lot, head uphill to the west out of theparking lot on a moderately wide trail leading through the trees. This trail will wander up and down hillsides through a gully of sorts aiming directly at the Middle Spire, which can be seen at times. The approach trail will run into the Northeast corner of the spire.

The Classics

Featured Route For Middle Spire

Candyland 5.10c  CA : Tahoe Vicinity : ... : Middle Spire

This climbs an overhanging knobby wall, with a thin crack at the top.This climb faces west....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Middle Spire Slideshow

Add Photo

A wet Middle Spire.	Top of the east face: beautiful views and good par...	Middle Spire in the late November evening light.
BETA PHOTO: As seen from approach trail from parking lot ~ 3-5...	BETA PHOTO: As seen from base of Fear of Flying and Gingerbrea...	BETA PHOTO: Middle Spire, north side routes.