Heart and Soul

Heart and Soul ascends the prominent blunt arête on the east face of St. Christopher’s tower. This aesthetic spire was originally done via the north face A2 route, “The Well of Souls” in January of 1996 by Raimonde, Stih, Clark.

Heart and Soul is one of the finest sport spires anywhere and a true Burcham/Tatum masterpiece! The arrangement of fantastic climbing and a surreal location is sure to put this spire near the top of the list of classic Northern Arizona routes. While the climbing is thought provoking, it’s the sustained movement that will keep you hugging for hope as you make your way up 200ft of arête climbing. The quality of stone and the variety of holds makes Heart and Soul a stand out amongst the chossy and exciting nature of Oak Creek Canyon. Appreciate watching your partner follow this improbable and exposed blunt arête and don’t forget to find and sign the summit register.

P1 From the veranda, start up moderate terrain towards the first bolt 20ft above the belay. A solid finger sized Camelot can help protect the leader from a terrible tumble. After a brief warm up moment, cross from one side of the feature and back before making your way up steep and remarkable climbing. 5.11, 13 bolts.

P2 From the park bench of the belay stay warmed-up for second serving of steep and striking arête climbing to a bolted belay at the sub-summit. 5.11, 11 bolts.

If you desire, daintily make your way to the true summit, some parties may opt for staying roped up. 5 star view.

A two bolt rappel anchor is just to climbers right on the north face from the P2 belay. 2 single 60M rappels will get you back down to the veranda. Make sure not to miss the second 2 bolt rappel station off to the right on a mid-way ledge.

From the Sterling Pass Trail Head walk for 30-45 min up towards the pass. St. Christopher tower will be visible early on in the hike. When the trail begins to get steep and begins to switchback look for the obvious break in the red wall on trail left. From this notch you can look south and stare straight at the arete of Heart and Soul. Take a path across some ledges and access a game trail that will contour a bowl directly to the veranda and the base of Heart and Soul.

13 quick draws of various lengths .4 C4 .5 C4 optional 60M rope