Royal Arches is one of the classic moderate routes in Yosemite Valley! It was first climbed in 1936 by Morgan Harris, Ken Adam, and Kenneth Davis. Since then it has become a long multi-pitch adventure for beginner yosemitelings to cut their teeth on. For more history read Steve Roper's write up on the supertopo site.
http://www.supertopo.com/rock-climbing/Yosemite-Valley-Royal-Arches-Area-Royal-Arches
Royal Arches also has a rich history of solo ascents, and inevitably speed solo ascents. Listed below are recorded speed records documented on speedclimb.com.
Royal Arches Route (solo, car-to-car)
- 0:52:26 -- Cedar Wright May 2000
- 0:57 -- Dean Potter. Fall 1998
- -0:57:04 -- Kevin Thaw. 1999
- 0:58:10 -- Hans Florine. August 2001
- 1:01:30 -- Hans Florine. September 2000 (right of original chimney start)
- 1:01:35 -- Damian Benegas. June 2000
- 1:01:55 -- Hans Florine. October 1999 (right of original chimney start)
- 1:02:05 -- Hans Florine. August 2001
- 1:03:15 -- Hans. May 2000. (left)
- 1:04 -- Cedar Wright. 1999
- 1:06:30 -- Hans Florine. September 1999 (left of original chimney start)
- 1:11 -- Hans. May 2000.(left)
- 1:12 -- Brian Biega. Sept 2000.
- 1:20 -- Jason "Singer" Smith. 1999
- 1:20 -- Kevin Thaw. 1999
- 1:30 -- aprox Miles Smart. 1999
- 1:39 -- Brian Biega. November 2001
- 2:06 --Scott Allen. September 1980
This is one of the most classic routes in all of the United States, where legends and beginners alike put their skills to the test and although the speed records are documented on speedclimb.com, I believe it should also be recorded here at fastestknowntime.com as well for posterity sake.
For information about the climbing details visit mountain project or supertopo.
This route hasn't seen a new fastest known time in over 20 years! There is no question the speed and skill of Cedar Wright is beyond human, but come on younger generation get after it!
Comments
Hey y'all! Here is an important note I forgot to add in the route description.
The gps file I submitted includes climbing royals arches and descending via north Dome gulley. This is certainly a great option, however I'd like to keep the route open to any descent. As long as one starts at their car (in the awahnee hotel lot), climbs royal arches, and makes it back to their car, should be considered a valid attempt. This route is a car to car, so this leaves the creative freedom to downclimb the route or find a different descent than the one mapped here. At least that is how I see it. If there are any questions or concerns let me know!
Rock on,
Travis