Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

The Backbone

5.7, Trad, Alpine, 1500 ft (455 m), 15 pitches, Grade III,  Avg: 3.1 from 20 votes
FA: Walter Hawkins (RIP) & Eric Gabel, early 2000s
California > Sierra Eastside > Lee Vining Cany… > Ellery Ridges

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, go to a notch and there is a big block as ways beyond. 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.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

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

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Ryan Huetter
Mammoth Lakes, CA
 
[Hide Comment] 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
[Hide Comment] 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
  Easy 5th
[Hide Comment] 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
Bill Kelly
Lake Tahoe
[Hide Comment] Thanks for the stoke, I'll try to give it a go. Jun 20, 2019
tom donnelly
san diego
 
[Hide Comment] The 5.7 lieback move that seemed best to us was not right at the end of the easy knifeedge. Roughly go another 70 yards to the notch where the crack starts. Then we pretty much stayed right on the ridge all the way to the top. Oct 24, 2019