North Arete, Bear Creek Spire 5.8

    
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High Sierra, California USA

  • Currently 4.0/5
Avg time to climb route: 5-8 hours
Approach time: 3-4 hours
Descent time: 3-5 hours
Number of pitches: 10
Height of route: 800'
Overview
The North Arête takes the most compelling line on Bear Creek Spire. The climb is typical for a Sierra route: lots of cracks, broken rock, and mostly face climbing and stemming with a few mandatory hand jams. Both cruxes involve steep stemming on awkward large flakes. The climb is easily divided in two halves. The first half climbs a striking arête/pillar with steep 5.7 and 5.8 sections separated by fourth class. The second half ascends an exposed 4th class ridge. Because only the first half is visible from the base, many climbers underestimate the length of the climb.
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Climber Beta on North Arete
  A total of (30) submissions of route beta on North Arete
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Source: SuperTopo Guidebook Staff Last update: August 29, 2013
Bear Creek Spire - North Arete 5.8 - High Sierra, California USA. Click to Enlarge
The route from just above Dade Lake.
Photo: Chris McNamara
Other Routes on Bear Creek Spire
Bear Creek Spire - Northeast Ridge 5.5 - High Sierra, California USA. Click for details.
Northeast Ridge, 5.5
Bear Creek Spire
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The route as seen from above Dade Lake.
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