BETA PHOTO: Visualize the ice. Believe it or not, it's there.
Description
Blind Assumption climbs the icy chimney system on the left side of the Corinthian Column. Overall it is more sustained and harder than its cousin, Total Abandon. For 400 feet, it makes its way up 3 pitches before finally relenting on the summit snowfields.
For the approach, see Total Abandon. Once at Total Abandon, keep going across the snowfield to the other side of the Corinthian Column. Turn right and go uphill.
Pitch 1 - Begin at two fixed pitons on the left side of the gully. Climb up into the gully as it turns into a chimney and turn the giant roof on the left. There is a possible belay at the very back of the roof, but it looks like more of a retreat anchor. Continue up lower angled ground to another belay with two pitons of the left side of the gully.
Pitches 2 and 3 - Continue up the chimney system for two more pitches. The hard stuff finishes with a tough mixed move off of a flake. Continue up to the summit or break sharp right and cross over Total Abandon and traverse to the ridge to begin the descent to the car.
Alternatively - If the chimney system is running like a shower, break right at the top of the first pitch. A fine crack system goes for 250 feet to the top of the Corinthian Column before meeting at the top of the chimney system. Choose which top out is desired.
This route is tough to catch in good condition. Either the road isn't open to the top or the route is melting in the summer heat, or it is way too thin for normal folks to want to do. Keep trying, like Necrophilia, in the right conditions, this one is a classic; otherwise it can be just a myth.
[Eds. This submission had been previously listed under RMNP/Alpine then non-RMNP/Alpine and now here by request & for better organization.]
Protection
Double ropes would be nice on this climb. The lower part wanders a bit under some roofs. Otherwise, bring a selection of all size ice screws, emphasis on the shorter side. A standard rack with maybe a few Lost Arrow and Knifeblade pitons would be nice to have.
The other way to approach the Bottomless Pit cirque (for those of us who are poor but determined) is to hike the Barr Trail out of Manitou Springs up to Barr Camp (about 7 miles?). Continue past Barr Camp about a mile and follow a sign for a trail heading north to the Bottomless Pit. Traverse the mountainside as it rises slightly while winding up and around into the cirque. It's a long approach (you'd need to camp) but it makes it feel more alpine and I think you get more out of it. It's a satisfying feeling to return to your car knowing that you just hiked 20 miles while lugging rock and ice gear along with camping and cooking supplies.[This comment has been resubmitted here due to database issues.]
Attempted Blind Assumption today and failed. Thin, rotten ice and very wet in the couloir. The seriousness of this climb should not be taken lightly (then again, I'm not much of an alpinist so take my advice with a grain of salt). My friend and I found the route out of condition and scary-both of us backed down while attempting the first pitch.
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