Type: Trad, Alpine, 1500 ft, 15 pitches, Grade III
FA: Walter Hawkins (RIP) & Eric Gabel, early 2000s
Page Views: 1,318 total · 45/month
Shared By: Bruce Morris on Aug 25, 2016
Admins: Aron Quiter, Euan Cameron, AWinters, M. Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer suchoski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes

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Description

Most direct, obvious, long arete leading up the south slope of Lee Vining Canyon to the broad flat summit of Dana Plateau. Eric Gabel called it the "Backbone Arete" because of the long causeway walk in the central section that is shaped like dinosaur vertebrae. At the end of the causeway, there is a big block. That's where the 5.7 is, you lie back up the side of the block, the rest of the route is 5.6 or easier.

Location

Central rib on the south slope of Lee Vining Canyon located above and way to the left of the Dinosaur Crag.

Protection

Regular rack, stoppers, and runners. Short rope.

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Photos

Lonnie Kauk walking the 'backbone' causeway on the Ellery Ridge (III 5.7). Photo: L. Kauk.
Lonnie Kauk walking the 'backbone' causeway on…
 1
Telephoto of the line of "The Backbone" (III 5.7) arête leading up the south wall of Lee Vining Canyon to the Dana Plateau
Telephoto of the line of "The Backbone&quo…
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Upper stretch of "The Backbone" ridge (III, 5.7). The 5.7 crux move to get over the big block is also visible.
Upper stretch of "The Backbone" ridge…
 0
Line of the "Back Bone Arete" (5.7) behind and to the right (east) of the Dinosaur Crag.
Line of the "Back Bone Arete" (5.7) b…
 0
Another pic of Walter Hawkins on the FA of "The Backbone" (III 5.7). Photo: Eric Gabel
Another pic of Walter Hawkins on the FA of &quo…
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The late Walter Hawkins on the FA of "The Backbone" in the early 2000s. Photo: Eric Gabel
The late Walter Hawkins on the FA of "The Backb…
 0
Lonnie Kauk on top after soloing "The Backbone" (III 5.7). Photo: L. Kauk
Lonnie Kauk on top after soloing "The Back…
 0

3 Comments

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Ryan Huetter
Mammoth Lakes, CA
 
Ryan Huetter   Mammoth Lakes, CA
 
Fun route with surprisingly good rock (some loose blocks still abound but mostly on 3rd/4th class terrain). Great airy position above Lee Vining Canyon. Take a good note as to where you want to start from the Green Bridge and the parking area as things get more complicated as you near the base.
We ended up doing an extra ~500' of 4th/easy 5th class as a sit-start to the ridge which was fun and added some good climbing. Jul 7, 2017
Bruce Morris
Soulsbyville, CA
  5.7
Bruce Morris   Soulsbyville, CA
  5.7
Great that you did the route and liked it. More established now. Do you have a detailed topo? Info about that sit start. Sounds like that's the way to do it? Jul 10, 2017
Alyssa K
South Lake Tahoe
 
Alyssa K   South Lake Tahoe
 
My new favorite training route! Quick approach followed by 2,500 feet of climbing. The route ends with a long class 2/3 summit ridge with spectacular views. The ridge is a bit loose in places, but pretty solid and doable as a solo. If considering this as a solo, it’s possible to bail into the gullies on either side.

The descent is surprisingly civilized as long as you stay left. Aug 26, 2018