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C. Lower Tier

Colorado > Golden > Lookout Mtn Rd > Tiers of Zion

Description

The Lower Tier is larger than it appears from the parking area - the bottom 2/3 of all the walls are hidden in the trees. It is broken into several sections, with an upper face perched above the East Wall and the Recessed Slab on the left side. This upper face allows for a few high-quality 2-pitch routes. Many of the climbs at the Lower Tiers are characterized by low cruxes. In some cases, the crux is just getting off the ground....

The Lower Tier gets direct sun only in the afternoons, but in the summer, the sun can break over the ridge line above at midday and shine directly down the lines of ascent, making it hard to look up at your next holds when you're climbing or at your partner above you when you're belaying. It is a bit of an annoyance, but the effect only lasts for an hour or so.

The Lower Tier has a narrow strip of terrain that hugs the base of the walls, but after that the ground drops off steeply. Thus, it is not the safest place for bringing small children.

Getting There

From the main parking area (on the switchback) described on the main page for the Tiers of Zion, cross the road, and follow the trail starting at the wag bag station. The trail crosses the open slope, enters the trees, and then ascends to the base of the Lower Tier, arriving at the start of Buffalo Soldier, on the left end of the Middle Wall.  Be cautious - this is exactly where one of the area's rattlesnakes has been seen on several occasions.

Click
The Tiers of Zion from the trail. for an overview photo.

If you are at the Lower Tiers and want to go the Upper, it is best to walk back on the main trail to the junction, rather than scrambling directly to the base of the Upper Tier. That terrain is steep and loose and threatens the main trail with rockfall.

Rattlesnake warning!

Note, there was a rattlesnake right on the trail just below the climbs as you approach!

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Lower Tier topo. (c) Josh Pollock.
[Hide Photo] Lower Tier topo. (c) Josh Pollock.
The Tiers of Zion from the trail.
[Hide Photo] The Tiers of Zion from the trail.
Lower Tier of the Tiers of Zion - overview photo.
[Hide Photo] Lower Tier of the Tiers of Zion - overview photo.
Lower Tier from the east above Jericho.
[Hide Photo] Lower Tier from the east above Jericho.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

plantmandan
Brighton, CO
[Hide Comment] Saw THREE rattlesnakes today. Two were hanging out about 25 feet to the right of where the trail hits the lower tier crag. Another was on the trail about halfway to the parking area as we were fleeing an incoming thunderstorm. Aug 9, 2016
Jonathan S
Golden, CO
[Hide Comment] Is it really necessary to split up Lower Tier into sub-areas? Sep 11, 2017
Scott Chico
Morrison CO
[Hide Comment] Beware, rattlesnake right on the trail just below the climbs as you approach! Used a LONG stick to move him off the trail and into the brush to the right of the trail. Not huge but had plenty of rattles to let me know he wasn't happy.

Of note, please be considerate of others, and do not bring a dog to a crag if it barks continually. Aug 31, 2019