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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.
[Hide Photo] Line of the "Back Bone Arete" (5.7) behind and to the right (east) of the Dinosaur Crag.
[Hide Photo] Jerry climbing the dihedral with the backbone in view
[Hide Photo] Another pic of Walter Hawkins on the FA of "The Backbone" (III 5.7). Photo: Eric Gabel
[Hide Photo] Lonnie Kauk walking the 'backbone' causeway on the Ellery Ridge (III 5.7). Photo: L. Kauk.
[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
[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.
[Hide Photo] The late Walter Hawkins on the FA of "The Backbone" in the early 2000s. Photo: Eric Gabel
[Hide Photo] Lonnie Kauk on top after soloing "The Backbone" (III 5.7). Photo: L. Kauk
Mammoth Lakes, CA
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
Soulsbyville, CA
South Lake Tahoe
The descent is surprisingly civilized as long as you stay left. Aug 26, 2018
Lake Tahoe
san diego