All Locations > California > Yosemite NP > Yosemite Valley > Valley S Side > P. Cathedral Area

Higher Cathedral Spire Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in 3. Higher Cathedral Spire

L › R R › L A › Z

	East Corner T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Northwest Face T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c A3+ PG13
	Regular Route (Higher Cathedral Spire) T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Southeast Face T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Spire it up (first 2 pitches) T 5.13- 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E7 6c
	Steck Route T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b

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Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	5,212 ft	1,589 m
GPS:	37.71404, -119.63226 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	47,829 total · 202/month
Shared By:	Salamanizer Ski on Nov 29, 2006
Admins:	Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Latest updates on closures, permits, and regulations. Details

Please visit nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/… for the latest information on visiting Yosemite, including permits, regulations, and closure information.

Yosemite National Park has yearly closures for Peregrine Falcon Protection March 1- July 15. Always check the NPS website at nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/… for the most current details and park alerts, and to learn more about the peregrine falcon, and how closures help it survive. This page also shares closures and warnings due to current fires, smoke, etc.

Description

This is the higher of the two spires. It is to the right of the Lower Spire when viewed from the north.

This spire offers climbing up to Grade V big wall.

Higher Spire was first climbed in April 1934, by Jules Eichorn, Bestor Robinson and Dick Leonard.

Chuck Wilts and Spencer Austin freed the route in 1944.
Descend by rappel.

Depending where you are on the Spire it may be shady and cold or sunny and warm. From the top of the spire you'll get some of the best views of El Cap in the Valley and a secluded summit from tourists.

Getting There

The P. Cathedral Area page has the parking and initial hiking information.

Upper Cathedral Spire is approached by going right and up the "Spires Gully", west of the formation, which is the same approach for Braille Book and Upper Cathedral Rock.

Approach time is ~30-60 minutes depending on route and how much you pack.