Heavy "white thorn" overgrowth has obliterated trails in all areas of the Phantom Spires. Much clearing was accomplished during November & early December, 2008, to and around the Middle Spire, the Upper Spire, to the Twin Owls, and down to Gorilla Rock from the Twin Owls. The Twin Owls trail takes off SE from the main trail about 75 meters from the parking area, just as the trail starts upwards again after a short level section.
The trail from Gorilla to Holiday Rock (via Twin Owls and True Grit) is again open and clear.
As of May 7, '09, a trail is being blazed from the parking area, directly to Holiday, and is about 1/3 done. Access this trail from the southernmost edge of the parking area by walking left down the old road bed about 10 meters, then turning back to the right. At this time it remains a difficult access because of massive white thorn growth. Of note, clearing around the base of Holiday will be left to the climbers who want to do routes there.
The trail from Middle Spire to Gorilla Rock is so overgrown with white thorn that clearing would take a monumental effort.
The area at the south side of Middle Spire, and all the areas below Middle Spire, await further work.
A trail has been re-done to Lizard Head and farther uphill, to the two tiers of walls uphill and to the north of Lizard Head, and to Chimp Rock. Walk up the old access road to the camp spot, then, with Lizard about 1 o'clock on your right, leave the camp spot on this ducked trail, which will soon bear right, towards the base of Lizard.
Please bring clippers with you, and do some bit of trail work to keep the brush at bay; thank you.
View of Middle and Upper Spires, and Flathead and Lost John, from near the Lower Spire.
Photo by Jerry Klatt
NOTES: There are quite a number of routes here that are not shown in the guide books. Any information would be appreciated by this editor, for posting on this site.