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Arrowhead Spire
A two-pitch trad climb to one of Yosemite Valley's smallest summits
About
Arrowhead Spire isn't a hike, and it's worth saying that plainly up front: this is a short, exposed rock climb on the north side of Yosemite Valley, not a trail you can walk to on foot alone. The route tops out on one of the tiniest summit blocks in Yosemite, a distinctive little perch reached by climbing, not walking, just off the neighboring Arrowhead Arete.
Route Specs
Arrowhead Spire climbs at 5.6 on the Yosemite Decimal System, runs two pitches for roughly 250 feet, and calls for a light trad rack. It's a quick, moderate outing by Valley standards, but the summit itself is the payoff — small enough that standing on top feels like the whole point of the climb.
Getting There
The approach is long relative to the climb: expect roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of steep, unmarked hiking and scrambling from the Valley floor before you rack up, shared with the approach to Arrowhead Arete. Solid footwear, an early start, and daylight margin for the descent matter as much as the climbing itself.
Know Before You Go
- This is technical rock climbing, not a maintained trail — a rope, rack, and multi-pitch trad experience are required.
- Yosemite Valley routes in this area are commonly closed March 1 through July 15 for peregrine falcon nesting season. Confirm current closures with the National Park Service before you go.
- Don't confuse this with the much taller, more committing Lost Arrow Spire nearby — a different formation with a different level of commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arrowhead Spire a hiking trail?
No. It's a technical rock climb that requires a rope, a trad rack, and multi-pitch climbing experience — there's no maintained hiking path to the summit.
How difficult is Arrowhead Spire?
It's rated 5.6 on the Yosemite Decimal System, a two-pitch route of about 250 feet, though the approach hike (1.5 to 2 hours of steep, unmarked terrain) is longer than the climb itself.
Is there a seasonal closure at Arrowhead Spire?
Routes in this part of Yosemite Valley are commonly closed from March 1 through July 15 to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Check the National Park Service website for current closure status before you go.
Is Arrowhead Spire the same as Lost Arrow Spire?
No, they're different formations. Lost Arrow Spire is a much taller, more committing climb nearby; Arrowhead Spire is a shorter route topping a much smaller, distinctive summit block.
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