- Edit (TBD)
Description
This is a pretty good one -- just a bash to get to! Park as for the Wicked Cave/Sno-Cone Cave area, then walk down the road (down canyon) about 150 feet until you encounter a little marsh on the right.
Cut around the marsh, then head up loose scree on the hill, and trend a bit left to reach the base of this hidden cave. For reference, it is about 200 feet up canyon of the big seep/waterfall below the Wicked Cave -- don't approach this way, however! A total thrash. Nettles, poison ivy, thistles, etc.
This zone is also referred to as the Cali Cave in the first Rifle guidebook.
The route moves through two roofs down low (a big one, then a smaller one) before climbing a long, jumbly pillar left of the corner/crack system. You wouldn't want to blow the third clip -- a long draw helps here for rope drag.
Sustained, juggy climbing up the pillar leads to a nice rest. Step left into a scoop, move up into a hard bulge on pockets, then head for the anchor -- one open cold-shut and a bolt slung with old webbing. A good little sleeper of a route. No crowds!
Protection
14 quickdraws.
Routes in The Wicked Cave
- 1The Feast (aka Fat Lady)5.13aSport