About This Route
Royal Arches offers a 1,500-foot moderate adventure in Yosemite Valley, 15 pitches of slabs and arches up to 5.7 with fixed ropes aiding the final traverse. Popular for its accessibility from the Valley floor, it links to higher objectives but sees frequent accidents from underestimation.
Safety Considerations
Avoid unroped traverses, linked to 25% NPS traumatic injuries. Place gear meticulously in shallow cracks (DMM Wallnuts); rockfall from Black Dike above injures many. Helmets (Petzl Bivouac) mandatory amid Valley traffic. Fractures common in falls; use Five Ten Anasazi shoes for edging. Monitor Valley weather; heat exhaustion rivals cold risks. Follow NPS climbing regs, no fixed pins without permits.
Essential Gear
Standard rack (cams to #2, nuts), 60m ropes, harness (Black Diamond Momentum), headlamp for late descents.
Emergency Tips
Yell for Valley rangers; visible from Ahwahnee. Clinic nearby for minor issues.
Preparation and Training
Warm up on Manure Pile; REI classes teach slab technique. Pack out all trash per Leave No Trace.
This Valley classic rewards preparation, dodging Yosemite's accident pitfalls.