The Upper Tier  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  1,847. Good page?    Administrators:  jt512, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Benjamin Chapman on Feb 24, 2010 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed 73° | 46° 73° | 48° 79° | 46° 79° | 48° 77° | 48°

Grotto and Lookout closed MORE INFO >>> Climbs upstream from "Miss Pacman" and "Gameboy" on river right and upstream of "Xanadu" on river left are closed until further notice as required to protect a sensitive, federally listed plant species. For more information, see: www.nps.gov/samo/upload/PublicNoticeCircleXRanch2010.PDF This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

In the shadow of Balanced Rock at The Upper Tier

Description 

The Upper Tier is the broad series of multi-faceted buttresses and faces adjacent to the vegetated terrace above and north of the Grotto. The Upper Tier sits just below the rim and in the shadow of Balanced Rock. The climbs are short, but away from the crowds and occasional gym-like scene in the Grotto or the Left Flank/Java Wall. A great flat rocky base and views of the approach gully and Carlisle Canyon.

Getting There 

Scramble up the gully left of the base of the arete of "Bushed Coyote," near the Java Wall (short, but rather unpleasant). It is also possible to scramble upstream and west over the huge boulders from the Grotto. Once beyond the boulders follow a trail up and right to the west end of the cliff band. Follow the trail right (east) to the base of The Upper Tier.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Upper Tier

Reverb 5.10a  CA : Los Angeles County : ... : The Upper Tier

Climb up the groove on somewhat loose and flaky orange rock. "Reverb" is well protected and should clean up nicely with more ascents....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of The Upper Tier Slideshow

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The Upper Tier from the Mishe Mokwa Trail.