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Theater of Shadows

5.6, Sport, 500 ft (152 m), 4 pitches,  Avg: 3.1 from 625 votes
FA: Pogue, Cunningham, Goodwin '99
Idaho > S Idaho > City of Rocks > Steinfell's Dome
Warning Access Issue: (1) Weather Wall, Yellow Wall, & all the crags north of Twin Sisters are CLOSED. (2) No trash cans. (3) Highlining temporary ban in place for CIRO and CRSP DetailsDrop down

Description

This route is on the formation just left of Steinfell's Dome when viewed from the parking area. It climbs the spine facing the road in 4 pitches. Find the trail that leads towards Steinfell's, and traverse leftwards on trail to reach this subsidiary formation (called Jackson's Thumb).

The climbing is fun, low angled, and very well protected. If you are a little low on quickdraws, there are some spots where you can unclip a bolt at your knees after reaching for the next clip. The view of the City from the top is great.

One rope is all that is necessary, and the descent is very easy. Two one-rope raps (we had a 60m, not sure if a shorter rope would work?) from fixed stations get you to a major gully. From here, an easy trail returns you to the base.

Protection

Lots and lots of bolts. I think there may be up to 18 bolts per pitch.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

On the summit casting shadows.
[Hide Photo] On the summit casting shadows.
Easy climb, nice rappel.
[Hide Photo] Easy climb, nice rappel.
Jackson's Thumb silhouette on Steinfells Dome. Theater of Shadows follows the shadows edge.
[Hide Photo] Jackson's Thumb silhouette on Steinfells Dome. Theater of Shadows follows the shadows edge.
Near the end of the first rappel from the summit.
[Hide Photo] Near the end of the first rappel from the summit.
Eric Henyon Top of Theater of Shadows
[Hide Photo] Eric Henyon Top of Theater of Shadows
Theater of shadows, Jackson's Thumb
[Hide Photo] Theater of shadows, Jackson's Thumb
View from the third belay station (counting the ground).   Easy climbing all the way up!
[Hide Photo] View from the third belay station (counting the ground). Easy climbing all the way up!
starting up the slab
[Hide Photo] starting up the slab
fun and easy climb, super sweet rappel!
[Hide Photo] fun and easy climb, super sweet rappel!
View from the top.  The rappel station from the top would be at the left side of this photo (the right side of the climb as you are facing it).
[Hide Photo] View from the top. The rappel station from the top would be at the left side of this photo (the right side of the climb as you are facing it).
Here is the view from a distance.
[Hide Photo] Here is the view from a distance.
View from the bottom.  Here you can see how closely the bolts are spaced.  This is a great climb for a new leader because there are so many bolts; you'll always feel safe.
[Hide Photo] View from the bottom. Here you can see how closely the bolts are spaced. This is a great climb for a new leader because there are so many bolts; you'll always feel safe.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Jake Richens
Sl, ut
  5.7
[Hide Comment] What a climb!! 4 pitches of easy slab climbing that you could pull your grandma up, actually she'd probably have a harder time with the approach than with the climb itself. Blaze up past many bolts (16 on one pitch), around the monster roof and rap into the canyon to the south, from there walk down to the beginning. great views of the whole city. Aug 2, 2005
Jason Billings
Draper, UT
  5.6
[Hide Comment] A single 60M rap puts you in the gully between the thumb and the dome. I 50M rope and your're coming up short. I didn't see any additonal achors on the rap to do the second rap talked abou t in the description. Sep 27, 2005
[Hide Comment] The description for this route reads like it was written by some elitist #$%@&. Only the first two bolts are visible from the ground so you can't find it by looking for a "sea of bolts". I bolted the route for climbers who climb at that level. Why is it OK that a 5.12 can have bolts 5 feet apart and a 5.4 slab, where you're more likely to get banged up if you fall, usually has 50 foot spacings? Lots of beginning climbers have enjoyed their first lead or their first multi-pitch lead on this route. I suggest that rather being negative and elitist about a really fun route, that you recommend it to folks that will enjoy it. The fact that it has 17 bolts on one pitch IS useful information, (by the way that's about one bolt every 10 feet) but it doesn't have to be communicated in such a negative way. Describe the route for what it is without being negative - like this: "a long, low-angled, well-protected romp up a large pinnacle with a spectacular summit and great views - suitable for climbers off all abilities. - Now.... wasn't that easy? May 27, 2006
Larry Earley
Los Alamos, NM
[Hide Comment] Very nice climb and views at top are best in the city. The rap is way cool too. My partner and I have combined 50 years climbing experience. We both enjoyed it a lot. We were first on rock that day and when we got back to start there were two parties on and one more ready to start. It should be popular. Thanks for the bolts. Jun 8, 2006
Larry Earley
Los Alamos, NM
[Hide Comment] Just wanted to add that we climbed Honeymoon in Almo (11a) the day before at Castle Rocks. My partner and I actually liked both the desperately thin 11a and the fun 7. Try to enjoy the climbing and put that ego away. Theatre of Shadows is just like Snake Dike with bolts. Jun 8, 2006
Matt Richardson
Longmont, CO
  5.7
[Hide Comment] Sure there are a lot of bolts, but like kipinwalla2 indicated, the pitches are long also. For one pitch, my wife had to untie the rope from her belay so that I could reach the next set of anchors (and that was with a 60m rope). Personally, no matter how secure the climbing is, when I am just out to have fun I don't want to slide 30' down a slab. Great climb to blaze up (I can't remember how fast we got up it, but I felt like we were on a relay as we handed off the belay from one pitch to the next). Excellent job putting up this route! Jun 19, 2006
46and2
Salt Lake City, Utah
  5.7
[Hide Comment] Great route out for a mellow long cruiser. Our 60m rope made it to each anchor but it was close on the first two pitches. Lots of bolts but who cares, great route nonetheless! Approach is the crux and pitch 3 is where the love is at!! :) Jul 17, 2006
[Hide Comment] This route is awesome, the length and exposure is perfect for those not used to multi pitch routes, the route is easy but is nothing to be sneezed at, a lot of the route involves friction foot holds and crimpy hand holds. I loved the second pitch, and the third has a cool overlapping part that you can undercling(and if you tap the rock it sounds hollow!) I feel that rappelling descriptions are confusing on this page. We took 2 sixty meter ropes and made 1 rap from the top all the way to the bottom of the gully with both ropes tied together, when in doubt take the second rope! Even though it isn't hard and the angle is slightly off vertically this route is a great accomplishment for those who climb at 5.7 levels Jul 25, 2006
cassandra
Twin Falls Id
  5.6
[Hide Comment] For this being my third climb at the city of rock it was a great experience for learning the little thing that matter. My partner and I had a new CO-pilot to the group and it work at well, but the anchors are a two man spot. The exposure was good for one man in the group. I recommend this climb for anyone who want to get a feel for working with your equipment under no stress and strain. Aug 5, 2006
Jake Cowden
Hagerman, Id
  5.6
[Hide Comment] Climbed this route mid week, our group a three man rope team was the third group to climb this beautiful route that day as a prep route for Exum Ridge, Grand Teton. Found the Route to very pleasing with great protection (this is a beginner multi route) 60m rope will get it done. Third pitch is the fun one. This is a great confidence building route for beginners and what a view. Aug 7, 2006
Jared Hargrave
Salt Lake City, UT.
[Hide Comment] I'd say only the first pitch is a 5.7. The rest of the route felt like a 5.4-5.6. My partner did his first lead climb ever on the first pitch, so it's a great place to take beginners. Fun rappel down! Aug 16, 2006
James Schroeder
Fort Collins, CO
  5.6
[Hide Comment] This route is just a joy to climb. If you're unhappy with the frequency of the bolts; skip some. I personally found this a beautiful, stress-free route, in an absolutely perfect location. The fact that it is 5.6 and well bolted makes it all the better, because it is accessible to just about everyone, and everyone should experience a route like this. In other words I don't care who you are, you'll enjoy this one. Oct 1, 2006
Greg Barnes
  5.4
[Hide Comment] Super fun and mellow, I didn't bother clipping most bolts, but to each his own. This route is a great one to bring a new climber up.

The one thing I wanted to comment on is that, compared to similar routes in California, this route felt around 5.4 or 5.5 first pitch, 4th class second pitch, 5.0 to 5.2 third pitch. I don't care much about the rating, just wanted to warn people to watch out when climbing similar climbs elsewhere - since they won't have anywhere near as many bolts. Dec 21, 2006
sqwirll
Las Vegas
 
[Hide Comment] A 70M rope will get you off in one rappel. Otherwise, there is a second set of chains to do two single rope rappels. May 29, 2007
John Bradford
Yellowstone National Park
 
[Hide Comment] The 3rd pitch is a full 60 meters to the large ledge just below the summit pitch. This may be a better belay that the lower one, if you want to take a bit of gear. The rap anchors are ten feet to the right of the top belay. May 13, 2008
[Hide Comment] a fine, fine route, with the best views in the City. I would recommend hitting this gem up in the late afternoon, such that you will be able to appreciate the route's namesake. Sitting on the summit, my partner and I became the ears of a bear! :)

Be sure to bring a beer or two for the summit, hang out and enjoy the view. We solo'd past a party who was kind enough to let us by, when they arrived we joined ropes and did a single rap to the gully.

The bolts, though plentiful, are well camo'd, so not such an eyesore as new shiny hangers might have been. This would be a great route for someone's first multi-pitch lead, or something to take a confident beginner up. The anchors are at good comfortable locations, never so far from one another that you can't be in voice contact with your second.

I gave it 4*'s, I'll climb it again sometime for certain! Jun 14, 2008
Xover
C-Dub Hts, UT
[Hide Comment] Did this two days ago. With a 70m, you can do this thing in two pitches and one rap. Combine P1&2 (about 270') with about 40-50' of simul-climbing and then combine P3&4 (about 220') with no simul-climbing required. The exposure after the opening traverse of P3 is rad!!! Then look for chains toward the gulley and down about 10' and do a one rope airy, rad rap back to the ground and walk back to your packs in about 10 minutes. Doing this and not even trying to climb super fast we were able to go pack to pack in about an hour and 45 minutes.

Honestly, I enjoyed this more than Steinfells. Just my $0.02. May 31, 2009
[Hide Comment] Four stars because this is fun climb and perfect for first leaders on a multipitch and for first timers following on a multipitch (plus a free hanging rappel)! The "free" portion of the rap is about 30-40 ft. I've done this a couple times and I like to take two 60 mm ropes for the rappel. The third pitch is great fun with a little more exposure! Use all the bolts or just a few...either way the rock is fun. Life is good! Sep 14, 2009
jeffozozo
santa clara, utah
 
[Hide Comment] From the parking spot to the top of the climb, and back to the parking spot it took us about 4 hours--we took it pretty easy though. There is a strenuous hike to the bottom of this climb.

I wish I would have brought my approach shoes to the top, because when we rappelled down, there is a bit of a hike back around the corner to the start where our other gear was.

The route is not hard, but if you've never done a multi-pitch route, this is a great place to do it. It is really quite satisfying to get to the top. The rappel is quite invigorating too, as there is a long section of 'free' rappelling away from the face. Oct 16, 2009
blue ribbon
Indian Creek, UT
 
[Hide Comment] more intresting when done on gear May 17, 2011
Matt Schroer
Logan, Utah
  5.7
[Hide Comment] Great climb for any climber of any ability. The views of the city are stupidly awesome from the start of the route to finish (so satisfying on the top, though). Pitch 2 is by far the best and it was my climbing partner's first ever lead. Lucky bastard. Pitch 3 is airy right out of the traverse! Great route, looking forward to doing Sinocranium in 2 or 3 weeks. PS, we brought 20 draws between the two of us, and I think the most we used per pitch was 16. Aug 25, 2011
wayniak
  5.6
[Hide Comment] Fun climb. Best appreciated in late afternoon. One 70m rappel will land you in the gully. Sep 21, 2011
Aphoris
  5.6
[Hide Comment] Just did this on 5/22/12 and 1 60m rope is more than adequate to get you to the top and down. May 28, 2012
rging
Salt Lake City, Ut
  5.5
[Hide Comment] There is no way you can give this climb 3 stars at a 5.7 rating. At 5.5 maybe. Other than the first 20 feet this climb barely goes 5.5. Great views and fun rap but that's about it. This rating is the furthest off of any mountain project listed climb I have ever done. Jun 18, 2012
James
Lakewood, CO
  5.4
[Hide Comment] Pitch 1 - 5.4 or 5.5, 150 feet and 15 bolts
Pitch 2 - 5.2 or 5.3, 175 feet and 15 bolts
Pitch 3 - 5.3 or 5.4, 75 feet and 11 bolts
Pitch 4 - 5.2 or 5.3, 150 feet and 9 bolts

These are estimates for the climb from our group. Fun climb, many many bolts have spinning hangers.

If you do not like friction, do not despair foot holds and hand holds the entire route. A great first multi-pitch lead. Jul 2, 2012
zoso
 
[Hide Comment] I dunno how you can tell the difference between 5.0 and 5.4, but maybe that's just me. Jul 2, 2012
cyrus
Menifee, CA
  5.6
[Hide Comment] Really fun route. About midway into the first pitch, if you follow the bolt line, you will run into a section with 2-3 (depending on your height) 5.6 moves, the rest is just incredibly fun climbing in the easy range. I can never tell the difference between 5.0 - 5.4 The moves up and around the roof are really fun, great exposure but solid holds hands and feet. Did I mention really fun?
On the hike down the gully, toward the end, tend to your right around a tree and down some slab and it will drop you right back where you started. If you follow the main trail to the left, you'll have to do some hiking back up the hill.
The approach hike was longer and steeper than I was expecting, not horrible, just more than I was expecting. Had me breathing hard, and required a few rest breaks.
I'll say it again, really fun climb. All you 5.12 climbers will probably be a little bored, but for us mortals, it doesn't get much more enjoyable than this climb. Aug 2, 2012
[Hide Comment] A 5.2 route for the 4th class leader. You cannot get lost as the bolts are at times 3 feet apart. I think we were about 2 1/2-3 hours car to car, and most of that was approach and descent.

I'm not sure what people are talking about with a free-hanging rappel. I rappeled from chains 10 feet right of the final belay and I recall two very straight forward single rope rappels. Don't rap from the final belay chains, at least off to the right, as the rope won't pull. Sep 24, 2012
Dr. Long Arm
  5.7
[Hide Comment] VERY fun climb. Easy and well protected. The first time I climbed it we had to wait in line for 1.5 hrs behind several parties and the wind was whipping (30mph+) so it made things a little more interesting. During the shutdown we had it all to ourselves and climbed it in 40 minutes, clipping only about a quarter of the bolts. Great climb for new leaders or your first multi-pitch. A 70m rope will put you on the ground with one rappel. If you're using a 60m, look for the second set of chains just up and to the right of where you land off the 60m. I thought this was a more enjoyable and sustained climb than the neighboring Sinocranium, Oct 19, 2013
Gregory Thompson
Gilbert, AZ
  5.7 PG13
[Hide Comment] My first multi-pitch climb, great for people all levels (maybe boring for advanced climbers) - tons of fun. Went May 3rd, awesome weather!

The approach was a bit of a hike, I think I used more energy hiking up to the climb than the actual climb itself. Lots of bolts, super safe. The first pitch had the hardest moves, only part where it was 5.7. We had 14 quick draws but there were more bolts per pitch, we ended up skipping some and reaching back and unclipping from the next one when they were super close. We had a 70 m rope and were able to climb the 3rd and 4th pitch together with about a meter of rope left and still had 5 quick draws left over (not bolting bolting in each time). 2 rappels, the first one has a free rappel. You have to hike down the hill between the two giant rocks and it kills your toes. I would carry a pair of shoes if I did it again. May 3, 2014
BBQ
 
[Hide Comment] My wife and I climbed this route on our first day at the city of rocks. It was the highlight of our trip. Thanks for the route, Kevin. It is an absolute must do. Jun 12, 2014
[Hide Comment] Most of the route felt more like scrambling, with only a few moves at the beginning that could conceivably be 5.7. That said, it's a very fun outing and we enjoyed it a lot.

The rappel is not commensurate with the climbing difficulty though and might be a little intimidating. The rap anchor is the one on the climbers right as you arrive at the summit. I clipped a draw to the other one and went straight there so we would be ready to setup the rap right away. It looks like a long way but a 70 reaches the gully just fine. If you have a shorter rope, there are chains on a ledge below the drop off from the summit. You cannot see them from the summit but you will end up at them just fine as you touch down on the ledge. Oct 12, 2014
Ball
Oakridge, OR
5.6
[Hide Comment] Just soloed this (trailed a rope for rap). Seemed a tad contrived but that's usual for clip-ups. Mostly 5.3 with maybe a one-move 5.6 which would probably feel 5.4 if I had been clipped in.

A great way to avoid the sun if you start early. Jun 2, 2015
[Hide Comment] If you rappel from the chains near the summit that are maybe 20 feet climbers right of and slightly below the final anchor chains, a single 60 m will get you down if you stay right as you descend. Jun 7, 2015
Andrew Mayer
Driggs, ID
  5.6
[Hide Comment] This route makes for a nice simul-climb. Can give the leader a real belay through the pitch one 5.6 crux (readily apparent from the ground) and then have the second start climbing. The overwhelming majority of this route is 5.3 or easier. Route gets nice morning shade. Jun 29, 2015
[Hide Comment] Fantastic climb for a beginner multi-pitch leader!! Great views of the City, and a fun rap off the top. We had a 70m rope and made it off the top chains to the ground in the gully. The third and fourth pitches were my favorite. Holds the shade in the morning for a nice, cool climb on a hot day in the City. Jul 7, 2015
Wic Wahlquist
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
 
[Hide Comment] This is a great, must-do climb for climbers of any skill level. For the more experienced climber, it's a great warm-up climb to get the blood pumping without pumping out your arms. Very relaxing, stress-free climb with lots of bolts so it never gets run out. If you are a beginner, this is the best multi-pitch climb you can start on. This route features tons of bolts so you are never run out and you can concentrate on rope management for your first (or among the first) multi-pitch climb. The views are breathtaking and there is nothing in the world like putting serious distance between yourself and the ground. I LOVED this climb. When I climbed it, it was my first multi-pitch. I cannot recommend this enough for your first multi-pitch. You still get the exhilaration from your altitude, while never worrying about how far you've climbed past your last protection because it is generously bolted. My wife and I did not know about the rappel off the side to the gully between Jackson's Thumb and Steinfell's Dome so we ended up rapping down the way we came up, and unfortunately had to leave two draws on the rock. So, whoever got to keep our little gifts we left behind, you're welcome. The approach is pretty steep, so just take your time and consider having lunch at the base of the climb. BRING WATER up with you - for first-timers, this climb will end up taking a long time, and you will get thirsty. More experienced climbers can pound this climb out fast, but this being our first multi-pitch took us a while to get up and down. Watch the weather too! Clouds can roll in across the valley very quickly! We got caught in a hail storm at the very top and froze our butts off. When we started, the weather was wonderful and the sky was blue. Despite the bad weather we encountered, my wife and I still talk about how fun and beautiful this climb was and definitely plan on returning. We climbed this in August, 2013; I post my comments now because there are some really negative comments about this climb and I don't understand why. It was tons of fun. No, it is not a technical climb, but since when does a climb have to be technical to make it fun? I just love climbing, and this was a GREAT climb! Jan 20, 2016
Finn The Human
The Land of Ooo
  5.5
[Hide Comment] Fun and easy. Gets thin for like 3 moves on P1, and then the rest is essentially just scrambling (esp. P4). May 16, 2016
[Hide Comment] Nice climb. We got to the base in 12 mins from the parking lot. Took us an hour to climb and half an hour to get back. Probably skipped around 10 bolts but that definetly didn't take away from the fun slabby nubbin climbing! Just ignore the frozen bodies of Hall and Fischer on p3. Aug 13, 2016
Eric and Lucie
Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] I don't understand why the focus of most comments here is the NUMBER of bolts. Sure, there are many of them, perhaps too many, but what really caught my attention is that probably 25% of those bolts are within easy reach of perfectly textbook, straightforward natural placements (mostly medium sized cams). That is hard to swallow. Oct 11, 2016
[Hide Comment] My wife and I just did this yesterday. It was our first multi-pitch, which was perfect. Due to a limited amount of draws at our disposal (10), we easily skipped more than half of the bolts comfortably, with the exception some bolts on the exposed section of p3. We used a 70m rope to make the rap off the back in one go. If you have any less than that, I recommend doing it in two raps.

Great route, awesome views, definitely a great starter. May 30, 2017
Matt Wenger
Bozeman
 
[Hide Comment] I think I felt around 2-3 moves in 400' that were 5.6. The rest was probably 5.4. You can almost literally just slab hike up most of this thing. After a while, I wasn't even looking where my feet were going. Super easy, but really fun, with a really cool rappel! Jul 11, 2017
Chris Morgan
Ogden, UT
  5.7
[Hide Comment] This was our first multi-pitch climb and it was exactly what we needed -- something easy to climb with nice exposure allowing us to work on rope work, teamwork, belaying, etc. It's the rappel that's the real thrill of the adventure. Looking forward to doing this climb again soon. Apr 29, 2018
Eric Swen
SALT LAKE CITY
[Hide Comment] The guidebook gives both this and Cruel Shoes a 5.7 rating... I thought the first pitch of Theatre was actually marginally harder than the first pitch of Cruel Shoes. It might have just been that I climbed Cruel Shoes in the shade vs. Theatre in the blazing sun, but I don't know how people are suggesting a 5.4 rating for the first pitch compared to other climbs in the area. Obviously the whole thing is very well protected and the entire climb is mild and cruiser.

The movement itself wasn't particularly memorable, but it's a great casual outing. I actually thought the second pitch had the coolest movement despite being the easiest pitch.

Rappel beta: This will be obvious to veteran climbers, but the length of the rappel chains points you in the direction you want to go (I.e when they're both pulled taught, that's the direction you're meant to go). Since this wasn't obvious to my partner and the rappel is blind / significantly more intimidating than the climbing, I figured I'd pass it on. Jun 2, 2018
CJ DB
Denver, CO
 
[Hide Comment] The first pitch is the hardest, but nothing tougher than 5.7 and it's well protected. Can be rapped in one go with a single 70m rope - just make sure to tie your knots. Jun 11, 2019
[Hide Comment] I'm clearly missing something, I don't see anything that gives the location. Is there a google maps link to the absolute location? Sep 2, 2019
Jarom Allen
Logan, UT
  5.7
[Hide Comment] The rappel on this can be tricky. Not to dissuade you from doing the climb, if you take it safe and slow then you'll be fine. Jun 1, 2020
Andy Weuling
Salt Lake City, UT
 
[Hide Comment] There are a couple spinning bolts including one on the 3rd belay station but the climbing is easy enough to skip every other bolt. Used a 60M with a tag line to do one rap off the top but there is an intermediate rap station if you don't have the tag line. Try to extend placements if you can to avoid rope drag. Watch the weather out there, a calm overcast day turned into a full blown storm when we summited. Otherwise really fun climb and would totally recommend it! Apr 27, 2021
Jay Anderson
Cupertino, CA
[Hide Comment] My son and I completed this Sept 5, 2021. I can clear up confusion on the rap. The top rap anchors are ~15 feet to the right of the top belay anchors. From there, you rap over the back. It is a perfect transition from low angle, to vertical, to free rappel. Super fun! When your feet hit the ground from the free portion, there is still a lot of rope below you going into the gully (with a 70M). If you stop right there and look at the wall in front of you, up about 20 feet is the second rappel anchor. With a 70M, you can decide to continue to rap into the gully and walk down, or rig the second rap down the low angle apron to avoid some of the scrambling down the gully. The 2nd rap is an entirely different direction than the first (down the gully) and is on low angle terrain - you have to work to pull the ropes through the device. On Sept 5, the climb was in the shade until ~10:30am. As we dropped off the back, the last of the shade disappeared. The gully remained in the shade for our descent. Get out early!

June 2023 edit. Did the route again. With a 70m, it is much more efficient to rap all the way to the gulley and ignore the 2nd rap chains. We did the 2nd rap (for practice for our newer climber). Another team behind rapped to gulley. We weren't very far below them in the gulley, so it didn't buy us much. I think the 2nd rap is only there for those with one 60m rope. Sep 21, 2021
WildIsle
British Columbia
 
[Hide Comment] A fun climb. Yes there are a lot of cruisey sections especially toward the top but unless you’re a Llanberis slate master who cut their teeth lapping Rainbow Slab there’s plenty of engaging climbing to be had.
We climbed on double 60s which allowed us to make a long rap into the gully, which is a very easy walk down once in the base. Worth doing. Jun 1, 2022
[Hide Comment] I found the second rappel station 10 feet right of where the first rappel puts you if done in line with the point of equalization of the first rappel station's chains. Jun 23, 2022
Kevin Patterson
Lower Hutt, NZ
  5.7
[Hide Comment] This is a quick 4h car2car multipitch option. P1 and P4 had a 5.7 move each, rest was 5.5-5.6. Well bolted too at typically 3m spacing which is compliant with what the vast majority of the climbing community wants. I ran a poll on the Squamish climbing fb group where 71% were in favour of retrobolting runout slab to at least 3m spacing. This climb is also excellent for beginners learning to lead or those who aren't super strong or maybe suffering an injury. Sep 15, 2022
[Hide Comment] Does anyone know if it is possible to rap this route? I understand that the preferred descent raps off the other side of the formation, but I wonder if it is possible to bail if (for example) a thunderstorm moved in. James from Lakewood CO estimated P2 to be 175 feet, so I think this would require 2 60m ropes. Do the belay stations have rap rings? Thanks! May 26, 2023
Eric R
Portland, OR
 
[Hide Comment] eRae Hughes - on 3 of the 4 pitches, our 70m rope paid out beyond the 1/2 way mark, so you can't 2-strand rap the route with only a single 70m rope. And 80m might be enough. Some - maybe all - of the belay stations had chains on the bolts sufficient for rappelling. Sorry I can't say for sure about the 80m rope rap or existence of chains on all of the anchors. I'd bring some leaver gear if you're concerned. May 30, 2023
Bart B
Idaho
 
[Hide Comment] Fun cruiser. Great route to introduce people into multi-pitch. 5.6 rating is accurate for the City

All belay stations have chains and were solid as of 8/30/23. Once you start up the route with anything less than 80m rope, or a couple of 60m ropes, there is no easy way to bail. Partner and I used a single 70M and were fine on the climb and rap down. Jay Anderson post from 9/5/21 nicely sums up the rappel chain location and rappel experience. To recap: Once you are at the top of the 4th route at the belay station, look to your right about 10-15 feet and you will see the rap chains. After getting belayed over to the rap chains, a single 70M rope and rap will get you to the gully below.

Always check the weather before you head out to climb in the City or Castle. They have notorious afternoon lightening, rain, and snow storms. You will get hammered on this route if you are caught out in bad weather. Plan accordingly.

Lastly, as many have said before, the approach and return hike feels harder than the actual climbing. ;) Plan on 35+/- minute approach, each way, from parking lot to start of route. Aug 30, 2023
Brandon Marshal
Victor, ID
  5.6
[Hide Comment] A 5.6 bolt ladder! Climbed in a single simul-pitch with some 20 draws, and still had some on the harness when I topped out. A comfortable party could zoom up in 10 minutes. Many pitches are 5.easy. A great sunset lap if you're arriving late in the day. Sep 4, 2023
Conor Rafferty
Cambridge, MA
[Hide Comment] Saw a couple of questions about rapping. FYI, our 70m rope got us back down P1 to a horizontal ledge that let us walk off about 10m above the start. Didn't get higher due to a late start. Sep 11, 2023