North American Classic Climbs

Royal Arches

(Yosemite Valley)

Description

Climbers*

Photo*

Date

08C09

08C09

The Royal Arches formation from across the Valley.

-

GC

7/77

08C09R

08C09R

Detail of Royal Arches with the approximate route marked.

-

GC

"

19U08

19U08

The first pitch, an awkward chimney, in the pre-dawn gloom.

GC

LC

5/90

06V05

06V05

On the early easy ramps.

RB

GC

5/75

06V07

06V07

At the top of the ramps, a steeper wall appears.

RB

GC

"

19U09

19U09

Typical climbing on the middle section.

GC

LC

5/90

19U10

19U10

More of the above - leading pitch 7.

GC

LC

"

19U11

19U11

More excellent crack climbing.

GC

LC

"

19U13

19U13

Following a shallow gully pitch with the Valley behind. Glacier Point Apron is directly across.

LC

GC

"

07X09

07X09

Leading the friction pitch with an upper belay from the pendulum anchor.

unknown

GC

4/77

07X10

07X10

Reaching the security of the ledge, the leader pauses to give advice to his partner. Note the old rotten log behind.

unknown

GC

"

06V08

06V08

Contemplating a river crossing on the ledge traverse, a little too early in this particular season.

GC

RB

5/75

07X12

07X12

The old rotten log (for historical perspective - it is gone now; an alternate pitch must be climbed.)

LG

GC

4/77

19U16

19U16

Leading the alternate pitch.

GC

LC

5/90

19U17

19U17

High on the same pitch.

GC

LC

"

19U18

19U18

Looking down at the belay, pitch 13. The Ahwahnee Lodge below.

LC

GC

"

19U19

19U19

The big traverse on the upper face, pitch 14.

LC

GC

"

07X14

07X14

Following the final pitch into "Sherwood Forest"

LG

GC

4/77

07X15

07X15

On the scenic hiking descent along the valley rim.

LG

GC

"

19V02

19V02

Looking out on the NW Face of Half Dome (another NA Classic) from the top of Washington Column (also a NA Classic)

LC

GC

5/90