Ascent Notes for: S.E. Arete III - 5.6 Average Rating : 5.00/5

w/sm

had a blast taking this one out in one long day. Found ourselves getting off route a couple times and running pitches together, but that just made it out to be more of an adventure. What was especially awesome was summiting at sunset and getting to see the pyramid shadow while praising I'toi for what he had blessed us with.

Just an awesome weekend! Hiked up to saddle day one, climbed the route and back to the truck on day two. Would not suggest trying the route on your own for the first time without going with someone else who has already done it. Either that, or make sure you get lots of beta about the descent.

Third time up S.E. Arete, pitch 3 may take some creativity and probably turns a lot of people away. I believe the best way to do the route is to do a backpack to the saddle, climb the next day after a good sleep (aclimate) and stroll back down on the third day, then lunch at a diner at Robles Junction. Beware of the rap down the Forbes Route! If you miss any rap stations you will rap down to far and the hike out will be memorable, especially at night with dry cork like dust from the oak leaves burning your eyes for hours. The best beta I can offer is do the Forbes Route to understand the terrain so you have a pleasant journey. Once you understand most senarios, a party of two can summit & rap with one 60 meter rope. This mountain offers a true wilderness experience.

A remarkable climb. Despite all the horrors we'd heard of nonexistent trails, and harried decents, we went up and down smoothly. Fantastic area.

Xcellent! Desert Mountaineering... go there, do it.

Did the free solo up then down the same way,what a spectacular view of all of southern AZ...amazing!