Sedona - Beckey Route Christianity Spire

Hi everyone! I was curious if anyone has done the 1969 Beckey Route on the backside of Christianity Spire that goes at 5.7 A2. I am interested in doing it and would love a little beta or to know if it is even worth it. I am capable of climbing the other route listed on Christianity Spire but I am mainly interested in the historical significance of this route and I have only heard good things about Beckey's routes elsewhere! Also curious what the route might go at free!

Pictures, stories, etc. are all welcome. Thank you!

Hey James,

I haven’t climbed the Beckey Route but it is the standard descent route and I recall being amazed at some of the fixed relics that were on it on our way down after climbing Blast from the Past. I snapped a few pics but I will have to dig them up to post on here. If I recall correctly, the fixed gear was primarily a bolt ladder on a blank section of rock. Most of them were your typical, manky rusted pieces that looked dicey. I would recommend climbing one of the other routes and assessing the Beckey on the descent. Another option would be to go for it ground up and see what you find but maybe bring a stick clip to move past missing pieces. I’ll try and post some pics soon. Have fun!

Flex wrote:

Hey James,

I haven’t climbed the Beckey Route but it is the standard descent route and I recall being amazed at some of the fixed relics that were on it on our way down after climbing Blast from the Past. I snapped a few pics but I will have to dig them up to post on here. If I recall correctly, the fixed gear was primarily a bolt ladder on a blank section of rock. Most of them were your typical, manky rusted pieces that looked dicey. I would recommend climbing one of the other routes and assessing the Beckey on the descent. Another option would be to go for it ground up and see what you find but maybe bring a stick clip to move past missing pieces. I’ll try and post some pics soon. Have fun!

Hey Flex, 

Thank you so much for the reply. I cannot wait to see the pics!

Here’s an example of the fixed gear on Fred’s route. Essentially a nail with a hanger. I think there were also bolts placed through pitons drilled out to use as a hanger. Some gear has likely fallen out and left funky holes. I hope Tim Toula doesn’t mind but here’s a pic of a topo from his old Sedona guidebook for the route. I guess he tried to free it in the 80’s and left it at 5.11 A0 with 6ft of aid remaining on the bolt ladder. Not sure if anyone has gone back with more free climbing goals (or even to climb it at all). Good Luck!