Peak Climbed: "Arrowhead Spire"

Peak Height: 5,500'

Route: Southwest Face

Difficulty: 5.9 C1+

Location: Valley of the Gods, Utah

Trailhead: VOG Loop Road

Mileage & Gain: 2 mi & 700 ft RT

Date Climbed: October 24, 2018

De Gaulle and His Troops, as it is officially referred to by the USGS, is one of the most uniquely named formations I've ever come across. Interestingly, many of the summits in Valley of the Gods go by two different names, and the unofficial, local labels seem to be more recognized and widely used. This double-summitted peak is no different. The larger, higher summit is known as "North Tower". Derek and I climbed it back in October 2016. The smaller but more curiously shaped one goes by "Arrowhead Spire" and had been on my to-do list ever since.

A reasonable three pitch route ascends the southwest face of Arrowhead Spire. The first pitch aids over a massive roof. The second pitch continues to aid through lower angled but sometimes soft rock with some free moves mixed in. The final free pitch is very short, beginning with an airy traverse right and then gaining the summit.

The descent is quite convenient, a short rap from the summit back to the last belay followed by a single 60m rope rap back to the col between Arrowhead and North Tower.