Lower Tier

Description 

The Lower Tier is the wall/walls immediately down-canyon of the Skull Cave. The climbing here is "slabbier" than other areas at Rifle, but the stone is an interesting blend of white and blue rock with funky spikes, swirls, and undercut bulge features that make for puzzling climbing.

The left sector sits directly above the parking area, and has two routes facing the road (scramble up onto a ledge to start). The right sector is back along a litte trail leading into the trees and faces downcanyon (west-ish). The Lower Tier is one of the sunniest crags in Rifle -- if you're trying these routes in the summer, you'll have until about 1 pm until the sun comes around.

Getting There 

Park in the two car pull-out just below (downcanyon) from the Skull Cave _this parking area is directly across the road from Merry Maids -- an obvious, left-leaning inset corner with blue and white rock -- on the Ice Cave Walls. Alternately, park at the bigger lot at the Wasteland and walk back up the road (3-5 minutes).

The Classics