This is a small, protected amphitheatre of limestone with a somewhat-known pillar, giving the name. It lies between Timber Falls/Firehouse and Pitkin Falls. It is the next drainage E of Pitkin Falls. You can see it briefly from I-70 just before the E Vail exit where there is a sound barrier along the S side of the I-70. You can access it from the same parking area as for Timber Falls/Firehouse, which may risk tickets. C Burns' guide does not list the area. J Robert's guide mentions it but the directions are internally inconsistent. R Purnell's video, Ice Project, tantalizes you with two of these climbs. So, here's a bit more info.
There are at least 7 lines to play on in this amphitheatre. 6 of these are mixed and have overhanging starts. These include (see beta photo) A. 007? B. Saturday Night Fever, D. Disco, E. Inferno, F. $10 bill, G. Fruit Boot Riot. The limestone of this area is quite variable in quality. You can hike around to access the top of the climbs. There are at least 3 trees slung above for half rope (~30m) descents. There is a short, second ice band above this amphitheatre. There is a neat ice drip forming a small, bent icicle at the far R end of the amphitheatre.
A careful glissade can be used to descend from the area. However, there are rocks, trees, stumps, and curves to add spice. Note, you do descend to just behind some homes here. Until someone can comment definitively on access & parking I'd recommend keeping a low profile.
Note, the rock in this area is particularly loose. Some of it has decided to descend rudely while climbers have been attached. So, dry tool with caution!
Getting There
To access the area, go W from the Willow Way cul-de-sac parking area, off Lupine Dr, off Bighorn Rd. Note, Vail parking laws supposedly prohibit parking along streets unless posted as allowed. Hike W from this cul-de-sac past a green electric box, perhaps 100m. Then go up a steep, narrow drainage to the small amphitheatre. The approach feels like it is a bit longer than it should.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for The Secret Stash aka Secret Cicle Area akaThe Club:
The Secret Cicle in Vail is in good condition. The route is not near the Racket Club as it says in the guidebook. It is just a few hundred yards to the west of the Firehouse area, reached by a trail at the west end of the road end which leads to the Firehouse Ice. This area also has some new bolted routes. I'm looking for partners for it, I'm at (303) 913-3694.
Comments: too warm in Vail, ice is going fast. Climber buried in rock fall while trying to climb too late in season. Dramatic video footage of the event was captured and can be seen at: www.mixedclimbing.com.
The real name for this climb is actually "The Secret Stash". It was first climbed by my husband Dave Tucholke about 15 years ago, shortly after he put up "Secret Probation". Unfortunately, when the word got out about "The Stash" the name got mixed up.
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