By Robi
900 feet of nothingness below me and the only thing separating me from the sharp talus below, is a slackline. This is my first highline and I’ve never been more terrified in my life. The sun’s setting over the central valley and it calms the wind stilling the air. For a moment time stands still as I stand up and begin walking, not knowing how far I would get. Suddenly I feel the pull of gravity on my left side and start to lose my balance. I desperately try to regain my center but only get further away as I dive into space praying that I catch the line. The Rostrum is located in the lower canyon tucked between Elephant Rock and Pulpit Rock on the south side. Peregrine Falcons nest there for most of the year and its closed to climbing and slacklining, but it opens in the fall which is the best time to be there. National Park Service has guidelines for highlines so check the Camp 4 information board first. The summit can be reached by parking in the dirt turnout after the long rock wall ends while driving south on Hwy 41. After hiking down the dirt trail, turn right and traverse the cliff. Climbing skills are required to rig the longer lines but the shortest line is accessible on both sides. All of the anchors are fixed but a backup is wise. The ease of the summit access combined with the amazing exposure makes this location a popular spot for first time highliners. I’ve witnessed many “first steps” at the Rostrum, mine included and I’m sure there’ll be many more to come