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GPS: 39.6459, -106.332
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 9,491 total · 39/month
Shared By: Leo Paik on Mar 31, 2004
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC

Description Suggest change

This is a small, protected amphitheatre of limestone with a somewhat-known pillar, giving the name. It lies between Timber Falls/Firehouse and Pitkin Falls. It is the next drainage E of Pitkin Falls. You can see it briefly from I-70 just before the E Vail exit where there is a sound barrier along the S side of the I-70. You can access it from the same parking area as for Timber Falls/Firehouse, which may risk tickets. C Burns' guide does not list the area. J Robert's guide mentions it but the directions are internally inconsistent. R Purnell's video, Ice Project, tantalizes you with two of these climbs. So, here's a bit more info.

There are at least 7 lines to play on in this amphitheatre. 6 of these are mixed and have overhanging starts. These include: (see beta photo) A. 007? B. Saturday Night Fever, D. Disco, E. Inferno, F. $10 bill, G. Fruit Boot Riot. The limestone of this area is quite variable in quality. You can hike around to access the top of the climbs. There are at least 3 trees slung above for half rope (~30m) descents. There is a short, second ice band above this amphitheatre. There is a neat ice drip forming a small, bent icicle at the far right end of the amphitheatre.

A careful glissade can be used to descend from the area. However, there are rocks, trees, stumps, and curves to add spice. Note, you do descend to just behind some homes here. Until someone can comment definitively on access & parking I'd recommend keeping a low profile.

Note, the rock in this area is particularly loose. Some of it has decided to descend rudely while climbers have been attached. So, dry tool with caution!

Getting There Suggest change

To access the area, go West from the Willow Way cul-de-sac parking area, off Lupine Dr, off Bighorn Rd. Note, Vail parking laws supposedly prohibit parking along streets unless posted as allowed (and they've been ticking at this cul-de-sac in 2010). Hike West from this cul-de-sac past a green electric box, perhaps 100m. Then go up a steep, narrow drainage to the small amphitheatre. The approach feels like it is a bit longer than it should.

L->R:

Suggest change
A. 007?, WI? M?, 1p, bolts & screws.
B. Saturday Night Fever, WI5 M7-8, 1p, bolts & screws.
C. Secret Cicle, WI4, 1p, 40', screws.
D. Disco, WI5 M9-10 R, 1p, bolts & screws.
E. Inferno, WI4 M10, 1p, bolts & screws.
FG. $10 bill, WI4 M?, 1p, bolts & screws.
G. Fruit Boot Riot, WI4 M?, 1p, bolts & screws.

6 Total Climbs

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