The Feathers Rock Climbing

The Feathers is beginner central at Vantage, but it hasn't always been that way. The obvious line of freestanding pillars was the first rock explored by 1940s climbers. However, the poor quality of the see-through, chossy cracks drew the next generations away to Sunshine, Zig Zag and Middle East walls. It wasn't until the advent of rap-bolted sport climbs that the potential of the Feathers' aretes and faces was realized. A host of climbers, and later predominately Leland Windham, climbed most of the sport routes at the Feathers in the late 80s and early 90s. Included were the popular Satan's Wagon, Hardening of the Arteries, and Don Coyote. In recent years the trend has been toward establishing more moderate routes.

The Feathers are seconds away from parking with a pleasant belay area, offer plenty of routes, and allow for climbing in hot or cold temperatures. Consequently, they are very, very busy. (If you're looking for similar amenities and solitude, the Gallery is similar but with a tenth of the routes.) One thing to be aware of here is the high first bolts: whether part of the FA's modus operandi or to prevent hanger theft, most bolted routes appear intended to be stick clipped.