Royal Arch Loop

Dave1 · Post by **Dave1** » May 01 2009 10:40 pm

Hi, I'm planning on doing the Royal Arch route in a few weeks. I am going to hike it counter-clockwise so that means the "rappel" will be a climb. Has anyone here climbed this? Is it do-able without ropes and climbing gear? If anyone has been there recently, are there ropes there and what condition are they in? Thanks for any help!

Davis2001r6 · Post by **Davis2001r6** » May 02 2009 9:53 am

HIKEAZ will get back with you soon I'm sure, he's probably out hiking for the weekend. I think the common practice is to the leave the ropes there until another group comes and replaces them, then they pack out the old ropes. There is a good amount of exposure in the rappel area, but you should be fine. Probably take your pack off for the climb and then just pull it up the rope.

Dave1 · Post by **Dave1** » May 06 2009 10:47 pm

Thanks Davis! I ended up going this past weekend and the ropes looked very new. I was a bit nervous about the climb without being able to see how well the ropes were attached. But I just gave 'em a quick tug and went for it. Everything looked ok once I got to the top though. It wasn't a hard climb and I took my pack off and roped it up like you suggested. The exposure sure adds to the excitement!

Davis2001r6 · Post by **Davis2001r6** » May 07 2009 11:48 am

Glad everything went well, thats an awesome route.

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » May 07 2009 8:35 pm

Elias Butler, co-author of Grand Obsession (a biography of Harvey Butchart) did the Royal Arch Loop counterclockwise a few months back, while taking pics for the current issue of Backpacker Magazine. I believe he has a short video on Backpacker Magazine's website (he told me about it, and that is the first time I've ever visited that site). Anyway, I think there is a short clip of the climb. Having been there with davis2001r6 last year, I can say that it is pretty tame, but the exposure does add some excitement.

Glad to hear your trip went well.

Davis2001r6 · Post by **Davis2001r6** » May 07 2009 8:50 pm

The ledge was much more interesting that the rappel, that's for sure.

Grasshopper · Post by **Grasshopper** » May 07 2009 9:27 pm

davis2001r6 wrote:The ledge was much more interesting that the rappel, that's for sure.

You mean this interesting ledge??!!

http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=59877 and http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=59975

big_load · Post by **big_load** » May 07 2009 9:38 pm

That would probably turn me back. I'd regret it later, but only from a safe distance.

Davis2001r6 · Post by **Davis2001r6** » May 07 2009 9:53 pm

Well there is a bypass for that on the other side of the creek/canyon, something about going around that was cool though. I still laugh when I see Matt's camera strap on the otherside and him having to go back and get it.

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » May 08 2009 5:53 am

Oh, the memories... That was such a fun trip. Thanks for posting those links Hank.

Dave1 · Post by **Dave1** » May 08 2009 2:39 pm

davis2001r6 wrote:The ledge was much more interesting that the rappel, that's for sure.

Somehow I missed the ledge. I've read on some trip reports that there is an alternate route to avoid it. I guess I unknowingly took that route 'cause i never saw the ledge.

BTW, anyone know the actual mileage? I've seen it listed as 45 miles but the park service says its 35. Add 3 miles round trip to Elves and I get 38 miles

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » May 08 2009 3:58 pm

I don't know for sure though having worked with lots of data I'd guess it's 33 to 38
http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?GPS=1048

Royal Arch Loop

Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop

Re: Royal Arch Loop