Luther Spires Rock Climbing
Elevation: | 7,400 ft | 2,256 m |
GPS: |
38.7938, -119.99575 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 60,282 total · 476/month | |
Shared By: | Justin Johnsen on Sep 22, 2014 · Updates | |
Admins: | Aron Quiter, Lurk Er, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes |
Description
This area is in the Eldorado National Forest, so back country camping without a permit, and drilling bolts for climbing protection both seem to be free and legal here.
Getting There
Parking Area
Upon entering Christmas Valley on Highway 89 from 50, drive a few miles until the road begins to curve as it approaches Luther Pass. There will be a sign to the Big Meadow Trailhead and a parking lot with a bathroom. There are also several turnouts along the highway near the lot.
New Approach Trail - Completed 6/6/2021
- - Approach map link - - (hey admin, only change here is the link itself)
From the parking area, walk back up the paved road (past where you drove in from the highway) and through the metal gate. There is a large area map on the right and the Tahoe Rim Trail continues behind it, then crosses a nicely built foot bridge (est 2019).
Head over the bridge and in just a minute or two depart the TRT taking a Left onto a trail marked by a cairn. The trail is small but maintained. - thanks Simon
Once nearing the top, the trail will pass over a short section of slab and reappear (marked by cairns). No need to go up the slab anymore, easier to continue across and rejoin the trail.
After a few switchbacks you'll arrive at the base of the crag viewing Jane Spy 5.7
Overall the hike is moderately strenuous, lots of uphill, and takes about 30-40 minutes from the parking lot. ~1 mile.
Old trail used a fallen log to cross the creek and went directly uphill on steepish slab near the end of the trail.
Old trail is closed off really nicely. The new (and much better) trail is quite obvious and intuitive unless you’ve made a strong habit of taking the log bridge and steep uphill slab.
Elevation gain is about 500-550 feet from parking area to base of the crag (Jane Spy 5.7)
Classic Climbing Routes at Luther Spires
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