In Control | Yosemite Higher Spire Free, Part 3 (VR180)
Pitch 7 is the psychological crux of the route. A tall and proud pitch the 5.13+ climbing. It requires lie back technique using just your finger tips and thin smearing feet against smooth granite to make movement upwards. Pitch 7 is one of the most dangerous pitches added to the new free route in 2018. The long runout section between protection pieces keeps the climbing spicy with the risk of a 50 foot fall.
Climbing Higher Cathedral Spire in Yosemite Valley is an achievement for any climber. The Regular Northwest Route was first climbed by Yosemite climbers Royal Robbins and Tom Frost in 1962. 1200 feet tall and packed with challenges, the climb established them both as two of the world's leading climbers. Until 2018 the route had never been free climbed when Kevin Jorgeson and Ben Rueck set out to do just that. Watch in VR180 as these two Adidas climbing athletes take on the challenge of freeing one Yosemite National Park's most classic climbs.
Directed & Edited by Jeff Rueppel, Advanced Yeti Productions
Co-Producer Abbey Smith, Unknown Artists
Staring Athletes Kevin Jorgeson and Ben Rueck
Technical Rigging Ryan Sheridan and Chris Seefoo
Ground Support Priscilla Mewbourne
Special Thanks to Pete Takeda, Dusty Reid, Lena Palmer, Sterling Ropes, La Sportiva USA, Osprey, Rock & Ice, Touchstone Climbing, Digital Stoke Media