The Aqueducts-Upper Tier Wall at the Colosseum (a.k.a. Chossaseum or Ancient Choss Town U.S.A.) is a upper tier with three lines extending off the nice “summit” ledge at the top of the Aqueducts Main Wall. The rock is highly variable in quality with three lines of good rock with sprinkles of just-good-enough-to-climb rock that will scare more less experienced climbers. Four days of development effort cleaned the routes to a safe level, and were climbed without incident on the FA goes, but more time and traffic will be critical and ultimately they may or may not clean up well.

The three lines are (from left to right):

1. The Final Tributary (11d)

2. Aqua Augusta (11a)

3. Colossoflow (10b/c)

As mentioned previously, the rock quality is highly variable and climbers ABSOLUTELY WILL ENCOUNTER LOOSE CHOSS. This is especially important if there are climbing parties below. YOU MUST BE AWARE OF PARTIES BELOW AND COMMUNICATE WITH THEM.  Climbers here should take an alpinist mindset to climbing. Climb slow, climb gently, and route read well. If this worries you, or you like to complain about rock quality/route cleaning, you have three options: One, avoid the upper tier.  Two, lower your expectations, steel your nerves, pull gently on suspect-looking rock and have fun. Or three: hike to the top, throw off a line, and clean and contribute. Consider this upper tier a Ph.D. level crag. Newer or less experienced climbers should avoid it in favor of getting their multiple pitch training at the nearby Crags Against Humanity. 

Climb the route of your choice to reach the “summit” ledge of the The Aqueducts.

All the upper tiered routes were accessed by the FA teams via “The Way of Water” and “Cleanse and Purge”, both as single pitch mega pitches and as a multi-pitch experiences. This is the recommended way. Note: if climbing any of the routes here as a single pitch via “Cleanse and Purge”, skip the anchor or clip an alpine draw to limit drag.

“Treason on the Tiber”, “Ebb and Flow”, and “Open the Floodgates” can all climb to the ledge as well, although the sections of rock above their anchors would need cleaning of large and friable rock and some bolts and/or gear. If anyone is inclined, permission granted.