Another one fit for the dumpster, but some of us like that sort of thing so ---- . I don't even know know if this is its real name. We just started calling it "Airport Tower" 'cause the top is so long and flat. Not much to report, two terrifing pitches of the worst the Monument has to offer, (which at times can make Fisher Towers look like Yosemite). Several "fraid" sections as you are too gripped to really pull on anything, including the rock. Most of your gear is placed in vertical sand, and as I recall, it leans toward the smaller stuff, which out here is not to be trusted! You'll never be so gripped hanging on 5.9 again.
I don't know who did the first ascent, I have heard through grapevines that a few shadowy folks have been seen on the top of it; but the only real reason you would even try to get to the top of this thing, (aside from pure novelty); is it used to be the host to one of the best slack lines in the country; a 70 footer of pure highline magic! Stupendous highlining in an amazing place! That is until some ego maniac chopped the bolts!!!!!! So, I don't know how you get down now. Other than those chopped bolts there was no other evidence of descent anchors. Those guys probably invoked some sort of climbing vodoo to get down! They definitely brought onto themselves some bad climbing karma! Anyway, this one is only if you dare!
Protection
Doubles to a #4 Friend, and a standard Scottish rack.
Slacklining is prohibited in Colorado National Monument, so it's probably just as well that the bolts were chopped, otherwise draconian measures as those at Arches after the Delicate Arch fiasco could be instituted... Although, rappel anchors are probably needed if they're missing. I heard that Harvey Carter climbed it back in the sixties...I'll ask him, and see if he remembers.
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