Jewel Pinnacle Rock Climbing

The more popular--but water level dependent--route to access Jewel Pinnacle is to park somewhere near the Gladie Visitor Center, hike across the field behind the building, trend right along the river bank until the confluence of Red River and Gladie Creek, and find a shallow spot to cross.  Hike generally straight up the hill to the northern face of the pinnacle.  You can scramble to the summit by hiking around the east (left) side to the southwestern aspect.  You can also scramble off after climbing.  Just be careful.

The alternate, dry land approach is to park at the Chimney Top / Princess Arch trailhead at the end of Chimney Top Road.  Face the Princess Arch Trail then hike a few yards to your right and follow the next ridge to the east nearly to its end.  Find a low angle dihedral on the right side of the narrow ridge.  Leave a short piece of rope to ascend on the return or be brave and solo back up.  Drop down to the forest floor on the right/south side of the ridge and walk around the end to the north side which is the start of the routes listed. This approach is more adventurous, requires the ability to navigate with a map and read terrain, and has a different kind of commitment level.