The Kingfisher from the NE. You can see one of us ...
Description
The Kingfisher is the closest of the big towers to the parking lot, and the easiest to climb. The Colorado NE Ridge is the easiest of the big Fisher Towers aid routes, but it is still not a giveaway. The Kingfisher also sports a selection of very difficult and dangerous aid routes, two of which were put up solo by Jim Beyer. Feel free to shudder as you walk underneath the Death of American Democracy on the way to the Colorado NE Ridge.
Getting There
Walk along the Titan Trail past Ancient Art, and look for a climbers trail heading up the gully between Ancient Art and Cottontail Tower. Head up past Stolen Chimney, and scramble up some mud cliffs to the base of the Kingfisher. There are many climbers trails through here, and the easiest way is tough to find.
This route is an excellent nailing line which climbs the center of the south face of King Fisher for 5 pitches. Pitch one has some thin nailing and heading right off the ground passing a couple of bolts, and then nails a good leftward arching corner. Pitch two climbs left then up into a nice right facing corner. After the corner climb up a scary mud curtain to a bad bolt and then into a tricky wide crack to the belay. The third pitch climbs 5....[more]
This is a grand experience for anyone inclined to go beyond the Ancient Arts realm. Having done this route many times, it should be noted that the quality of the crux placements (third pitch) is diminishing. In fact, immediately off the third belay, the crack leading to the first fixed piece is getting very worn. It readily goes clean but hammering destroys the clean placements.
Be prepared to feel like you are sticking your neck out a little on this route. But most of all, savor being in the Fishers. It is a magical place.
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