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The Lost Arrow Spire
Posted by Scott on Feb 08 2008  | open book Full Story  comment icon Comments (0)

spire1.jpg

Wes Ellis at the Spire

The Lost Arrow Spire in Yosemite- the holy grail of highlining. This is the most coveted "send" for any highliner out there. Its the highest highline in the US, and rigging is an epic! Man enough?

Approach: The Lost Arrow Spire is in Yosemite National Park in California. The Spire juts out from the top of the valley rim, between Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point. The Spire can be approached from two directions. You can hike from the valley floor at Camp 4 and do the "Upper Falls Trail," which will take you to the spire in 4 miles and 3000 ft elevation gain. This hike is KILLER with a pack full of gear, camping supplies, and food! I recommend driving to Porcupine Flats up in Tuolumne Meadows, and hiking the relatively flat 7 mile trail to the spire (follow signs for Yosemite Point).

Camping: Rigging the Spire takes a while, and most people who do this highline are committed for at least a week or so. This means you will have a heavy pack with gear and food and everything, so I definately recommend the Porcupine Flats approach. If you will be camping in the backcountry you will need a wilderness permit and a bear can for your food. Both of these are available down in Yosemite Valley at the Wilderness Center. Backcountry permits are free, so please get them! Rangers will likely stop by and ask to see your permit, because highlines draw crowds! Bear cans are required for food, so if you don't have one, rent it for $5/day.

Rigging: First, you have to climb the Spire. The climbing route is called the "Lost Arrow Spire Tip" and is rated A2 (it goes clean though, C2). First, rappell 300 feet to the notch, then climb 2 aid pitches to the Spire's summit, and tyrolean traverse back to the valley rim. Now that you have ropes in place you can rig the slackline. Rappell about 60 feet from the tree on the valley rim to a large flake with a bolt. The notch in the flake takes smaller gear (nuts/hexes) well, and larger cams fit above the notch. There is 1 "backup" bolt drilled by Dean Potter that you can also use.

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Shawn Snyder at the flake

"The Spire" - 55 ft. long - 2890 feet above the valley floor

First walk: Scott Balcom on 7-13-85

For someone looking to be extra hardcore, no one has yet climbed the Lost Arrow Chimney (the world's first "big wall") and then traveled off the spire via slackline. Any takers?


In the summer of 2003 the Spire saw a lot of highline action. Many people sent that summer, and Shawn Snyder rigged a second Spire highline! This line goes from the Spire to the "peanut gallery." This line makes a 90 degree angle with the classic line on the Spire. There are 3 bolts down about 20 feet from the valley rim in a hidden notch to rig with. BEWARE: one of these bolts has a broken steel bolt hanger. This bolt was broken when the line got rigged the second time, and is obviously unsafe! This line is big, intimidating, and fully exposed. The classic line travels over the spire notch, which makes it feel somewhat less exposed, but this line spans a gap over nothing!


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Shawn Snyder in the notch on the big line


spire4.jpgShawn Snyder getting low on the classic spire line


The long Spire line ~120 ft. long - 2890 feet above the valley floor

First walk: Shawn Snyder, summer 2003

 

 The possibility of serious injury or death is inherent in any activity involving motion or height such as climbing, surfing, skating and slacklining. The equipment and activity discussed on this site are intended for use by properly trained, qualified participants under supervised conditions willing to personally assume all risks and responsibilities associated with slacklining, for which Slackline Brothers, Inc. absolves itself of all liability. Know that this information is mostly heresay, as we have not visited each highline destination. Before highlining, know your limitations and the limit of your equipment, and asses FOR YOURSELF the conditions of the anchors. Your rig and your safety are your responsibility, not ours! There is a good chance the information posted here is erroneous, and existing anchors may not be safe. Keep your equipment in good working condition. Test for loose fittings or fibers and or damage before each use. Always use a leash, or tether when highlining, and avoid falling whenever possible, especially when your falling zone is not clear of obstructions! Serious injuries/death may very well result from highlining. No one may reproduce any of the material on this site without previous consent by Slackline Brothers inc., and its authors.


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