The Regular Route (Castle Rock Spire) 5.9 A2
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| Type: | Trad, Aid, Alpine, 8 pitches, 1000 feet, Grade IV |
| Consensus: | 5.10- C1-2 [details] |
| FA: | J Wilson, A Steck, P Bettler, W Siri (april 1950) |
| Submitted By: | Schoney on Jul 28, 2009 |
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Description The route originally went @ 5.8 A2 or so. The first free ascent went down in 83 By Dick Levarsee and Rob Raker(11b). From the notch there are variations to make the start harder.The rt starts on the se side of the spire. The first coupla pitches go moderately. (we linked em) The third pitch is a tunnel through (behind the Dark Tower), and down to the crux pitch (beautiful corner/roof 5.11+ or so) More moderate climbing brings you to the topout offwidth...and awesome views!
The first ascent of each season might experience some dirt filled cracks and a little lichen. Due to a legendary rough approach, this area sees little traffic. Be prepared for an adventure. As of now, this rt. has seen less than 60 ascents. One guidebook says "the burliest approach in the Sierras"....another says "May the force be with you" while explaining the approach. It could be said that the approach is half the battle. Expect poison oak, snakes, and miles of not so obvious "trails".
Protection The route eats up gear of all types up to 4". There are some fixed pieces for anchors, but bring extra slings and/or stoppers to back up any questionable gear. You will have to rappel the rt.Two ropes can minimize the amount of raps.
| Comments on The Regular Route (Castle Rock Spire) |
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By Guy Keesee
Apr 21, 2010
rating: 5.11b C0 PG13
| Kris Solem and I did this climb in 1991. We did the second free ascent, 18th overall. Bill Levanthal and Rachel McCollum were right behind us the whole way... they also did it fee. This is a big adventure climb, the summit of CRS is, IMHO, the most difficult one in California. No need to bring a BOLT KIT at all... that would be a pretty weak thing to do. The whole thing is covered in good cracks. The "historical bolt" is the only one found on the regular route. It was placed because those boys didn't have any thing like a 2 inch piece at the time. We rapped the route using two 50m ropes and we left several fixed stoppers and biners. Have fun. |
By Dave Daly
From: Temecula, CA
Jun 15, 2010
rating: 5.9 A2
| Rob Behrens (aka Mungeclimber) and I topped out on this full value beauty with our intent to pay respects to our late dear friend and mentor, Brutus Of Wyde. One year ago, Bruce was on his way to meet me to climb the Spire and was killed in an auto accident. Prayer flags were left and Sapporo was consumed on the summit. Best damn summit I've ever been on! Highly recommended adventure.....if you dare! |
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