East Bluff - West of the Quarry

Maple leaves and quartzite

Description 

Just minutes from the East Rampart and the CCC parking lot are about a dozen smaller rocks hidden in the woods. They remain pleasantly obscure because they are mostly short (about the height of D'Arcy's Wall or the Guillotine) and there are no trails. The best known route out here is perhaps "American Dream Roof," one of the more dramatic roofs at the Lake.

Getting There 

There are three ways to approach this area.

a) Hike up the CCC, back to the East Bluff Woods trail and head east. Go past the low point in the trail and up another 1/4 mile or so. Depending on the season, you may find faint use-trails heading south to (west to east) American Dream, Vulture Lookout, February Wall, or September Wall. If you are headed to these upper level rocks, this is the easiest approach, but you should probably scout it from below the first time you go.

b) Hike up a fairly well-worn user trail that begins opposite (north of) the Group Camp exit. Where the trail is lost going across rocky areas, low on the hillside, head left and up. Once the steeper hillside gives way to a more gentle slope above, leave the trail heading east. Stay above any boulder fields, and you will pass West Post and arrive at Birdfoot Buttress (the American Dream area).

c) The easiest way to find things if you are new to this part of the Lake. Park at the CCC lot, but hike toward the Quarry. Before you get to the Quarry road, head left (north) into the woods. Head more or less straight up for West Ridge (Lost Temple, Red Nose Wall, etc). Head up and left for the West Terraces (Hidden Buttress, Poison Ivy Wall, Bird-foot Buttress, etc.).

The Classics

Featured Route For East Bluff - West of the Quarry

American Dream Roof 5.10d  WI : Devil's Lake : ... : Bird-Foot Buttress

There was a photo of American Dream Roof that hung above the bar at the now-defunct Conway's Pub. Inspired by the photo, many beer addled climbers hatched plans to hike out and climb ADR only to see those plans evaporate when the hangover set in. If you do make it out there, ADR is a must-do DL lead. American Dream Roof climbs the conspicuous overhang on the right side of the buttress. Start up the easy inside corner and traverse to the roof. Fr...[more]   Browse More Classics in WI