The Vestibule

Walk through corridor from The Vestibule, to the V...

Description 

The Vestibule is the spectacular corridor leading through the major towers of the Monastery. Here you'll find alternately steep slabs on the southeast (right) side of the corridor and vertical to steeper rock on the northwest facing (left) side of the corridor. Routes that can be described in the Vestibule include those in the corridor proper and in the side corridors (the Balcony, Hallowed Hall and Inner Sanctum). Besides the amazing views across the valley and mountains with Longs rising above it all you'll have classics like Tabula Rasa (5.10c), Stolen Land (5.11c), Psychatomic (5.12d), 911 (5.11c/d), and Suspended Animation (5.11a) waiting for the send. The routes in the main corridor can be much different than the Needle's like affairs the Monastery normally offers, instead crisp edges and holds on a finer grained rock for a great change of pace.

Getting There 

From the end of the approach trail at the Guardian (two steep bolted lines here) continue straight into the opening of the corridor, passing a log on the left. Shortly you will be dropping down in elevation with views of Longs (on a good day) before you and routes to either side. It is possible to reach the outer gates through the last two southeast corridors (Hallowed Hall and Inner Sanctum) and not without serious scrambling through the first two minor corridors or the third (the Balcony). Exit the Vestibule to the northwest to reach the Catacombs or the next section of rocks, the Lion's Den.

Featured Route For The Vestibule

Psychatomic 5.12d  CO : Estes Park Valley : Big Thompson Canyon

Spectacular. Located just past the third corridor (The Balcony) on the left (southeast) heading into the Vestibule. Runs a line of bolts just right of the arete (formed by meeting between the right side of the Balcony and the Vestibule proper) up a steadily overhanging wall. Reach across from the large boulder and preclip the first bolt then head back down to the deck. Climb past the first bolt (bouldery) and up into the first pumpy crux. Look fo...[more]