Find Nearby Peaks

There is limited climbing and access information for this formation and its neighbors (Thimble Tower and Splinter Tower) on Page 176 of the book. Brian Westphal with on the ground reconnaissance from Kaden Platt has carefully evaluated the LiDAR data, researched the historical record, and pinned down the exact location, elevation, and prominence of all three towers. He has significantly updated the information found in the book. I have included Brian’s report for all three towers on the Splinter Tower page and in the website’s Climbing History section. Kaden Platt updates are set out below. Updated June 2026

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Steeple Tower is one of three formations collectively known as the Splinter Towers. These towers are located just southwest of the West Pinnacle. USGS Mount Cramer

West Ridge, Rating Unknown (Probably Low Class 5)

This ridge was climbed by H. King and Fred Beckey in 1948. They reported starting on north side of Steeple then moved to the west ridge on a friction slab with no pitons needed to reach a very small summit. They did not use pitons for protection.

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Kaden Platt Updates

The 2020 earthquake very likely altered the Splinter Towers structure. Thus, the current high points may be different than the historical high points.

Approach Gully

The easiest access is from the unnamed lake located west of Quartzite Peak. Affected by the earthquake or not, the main approach gully for Splinter Tower and The Steeple requires moving around two large chockstones.

Steeple Tower, Class 5.5

As mentioned in the literature, one must climb lichen covered friction slab. Luckily, there’s good pro almost the entire way for this short boulder problem. Single rack .75-#2. 30m rope, downclimb on lead.